New Delhi: India's T20 captain Shreyas Iyer stated on Saturday that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah requires match practice during the three-match series against Afghanistan to rebuild confidence following a spell on the sidelines with an injury.

Bumrah was included in the Indian squad for the Afghanistan series at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, which begins Sunday, pending a final medical clearance.

The fast bowler bowled at full intensity during Friday's training session and appears likely to be included in the starting line-up for the opening fixture.

"He has played so much cricket over the years. He is immensely experienced, but at the end of the day, if you would ask me as an individual who is coming out of an injury, I would want more game time and more confidence leading up to a certain tournament," Iyer told reporters.

"I interacted with him yesterday, and he is in that mindset where he wants to come and perform for the team and see to it that we win championships."

The 32-year-old Bumrah has been out of action since the second One-Day International against England in Cardiff on 16 July after suffering an impact injury.

With Bumrah's return attracting considerable focus, Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran remarked that his team is prepared to face the Indian bowler.

"He is one of the best; he is my favourite fast bowler," said Zadran.

"We as a group never complicate things for ourselves. We have a very good plan for him. Hopefully we can play better cricket against Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian cricket team."

Afghanistan, who have regularly utilised venues across India and the United Arab Emirates for their home fixtures, will officially serve as the host nation for the bilateral series.

India face additional selection considerations regarding their top-order combination, with Iyer acknowledging it will prove a "tough call" to decide between Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and 15-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

"All three of them, having them in the team is a luxury first of all, and they are flawless in their own departments," said Iyer.

"Well, it is going to be a tight call because they have been performing consistently. And see, whoever gets the opportunity, it's definitely for the team's benefit."

PTI