Jasprit Bumrah is set to undergo a crucial fitness assessment ahead of India’s upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, having been included in the squad subject to fitness clearance. The star fast bowler will feature in practice matches organised by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) between September 4 and September 9. Bumrah will not be the only player under assessment. Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy are also scheduled to participate in the practice games after missing recent India assignments due to different injury concerns.

According to a report by the Times of India, the CoE is optimistic that all four players will be available for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins in New Delhi on September 13.

“The BCCI medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) had shared a report with selectors last week, where it was mentioned that these four players were clinically fit but had to be assessed in practice matches,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying. “The CoE has lined up the matches from September 4-9. The CoE is confident that the players should be ready for the Afghanistan series,” the source added.

ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana Creates History With Record-Breaking Century In Women’s Asia Cup 2026

The CoE has faced increasing scrutiny amid a series of injuries affecting India’s key players. The issue was also discussed during the BCCI’s recent review meeting in Mumbai, where secretary Devajit Saikia pointed towards the demanding cricket calendar as a possible factor.

🏮JASPRIT BUMRAH COULD FACE FITNESS TEST 🤯

– Bumrah selected for afganistan series
– BCCI medical team has already declared tha tha ta that these players fit like Bumrah Nitish Kumar Reddy washington sundar & harshit rana

According to Times of India report Bumrah fitness is… pic.twitter.com/cAEYp1YK4R

— VK (@Aur_vicky) September 4, 2026

The BCCI is now expected to consider workload management more carefully while planning the Future Tours Programme (FTP), with greater emphasis on recovery time and adequate preparation for players.

Meanwhile, Prince Yadav has reportedly been identified as Bumrah’s backup for the Afghanistan series. The young pacer made his India debut in June earlier this year.

ALSO READ: Indian Player Noorveer Singh Dismissed In Bizarre Run Out While Shadow Batting

Bumrah’s fitness is particularly important ahead of India’s Test commitments. He has not played a red-ball match for nearly a year, and the team management wants him to gain sufficient match practice before his expected Test comeback on the New Zealand tour later this year. “One has to be clear that his knee can take the load of a first-class game before he takes the field in a Test in New Zealand,” the source said.