New Delhi: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan gave the team management a scare after hurting his back during a practice session ahead of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. However, the latest update suggests there is no serious concern, with net bowler Navdeep Saini saying Kishan told him that he was doing fine.

The incident took place during India’s training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, just two days before the opening T20I against Afghanistan.

Kishan walks out of nets after awkward movement

Kishan was batting in the pacers’ nets when Saini bowled a short delivery that rose sharply between chest and chin height.

The left-hander attempted to move away from the ball but appeared to hurt his back while doing so. He remained on his haunches for a few minutes as India’s outgoing physio Kamlesh Jain attended to him. Kishan was subsequently seen holding the back of his waist before walking away from the nets. He did not return to bat during the session.

The initial report described the problem as a back sprain and said the seriousness of the niggle would need to be assessed after Kishan was given adequate rest.

The timing immediately raised concerns because Kishan has been an important part of India’s T20I plans and was expected to play a key role in the Afghanistan series.

Navdeep Saini provides reassuring update

The injury scare, however, appears to be less serious than initially feared.

Saini, who was bowling as a net bowler during the session, later checked on Kishan. According to The Indian Express, Saini said the batter told him that he was doing fine and that there was nothing to worry about.

Saini also explained that he knows Kishan well and deliberately tested him with a short ball during the practice session.

The reassurance will come as a relief to the Indian camp, particularly with the first T20I scheduled for Sunday, September 13.

There was no immediate official confirmation of a significant injury or a decision to rule Kishan out of the series.

Kishan enters series in excellent form

The injury scare came just after an impressive run of performances for Kishan.

He was one of the standout performers in the Duleep Trophy, leading East Zone to the title and finishing as the team’s leading run-scorer. Kishan produced a remarkable performance in the final against South Zone, scoring 270 and 80, underlining his excellent batting form.

His recent form has also been strong in T20 cricket.

According to The Indian Express, Kishan was India’s second-highest run-scorer during the 2026 T20 World Cup, finishing with 317 runs at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate of 193.92. He also scored 145 runs in India’s recent T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Those performances have strengthened his position in India’s T20I top order.

India face Afghanistan in three-match series

India are preparing for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with all three games scheduled to be played in New Delhi.

The opening match will be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on September 13, followed by the second T20I on September 15 and the third on September 17. All three matches are scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST.

Kishan’s availability will be closely watched as the team finalises its playing XI.

India have several options in the batting and wicketkeeping departments, including Sanju Samson, but Kishan’s recent form makes him a strong contender for a place in the side.

Fitness update eases India’s concerns

For now, the latest information points towards a precautionary situation rather than a major injury setback.

Kishan was clearly uncomfortable after the incident and was taken out of the practice session, but Saini’s subsequent update provides some encouragement ahead of the series opener.

The Indian team management will nevertheless continue to monitor the batter’s condition before making a final call on his participation.

With Kishan coming off a prolific Duleep Trophy campaign and carrying strong T20I form, India will hope the back issue does not affect his availability for the Afghanistan series.