India are preparing to get back to action in the shortest format as they face Afghanistan in the first T20I of the three-match series on Sunday at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The series is crucial in terms of preparation because after this India will head to the Asian Games. Before the continental tournament, India will also play Japan in a one-off T20I, helping them get familiar with conditions in Japan. 

Meanwhile, India's recent results have made this series incredibly important.

After the T20I World Cup win, India went down against Ireland, where they suffered a series defeat. Later, England handed India 4-1 series defeat in their next T20I series. However, series victory over Zimbabwe gave India some relief. Speaking ahead of the series, Indian captain Shreyas Iyer highlighted the importance of concentrating on the assignment. 

"We'll take it game by game; we are not thinking far too ahead. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team, and our preparation has also been promising. Players are looking in great shape and mindset. So we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition, and fingers crossed, we'll deliver to the best of our capabilities,” Iyer said at the press conference. 

Ahead of the first match, India are also having to deal with a selection headache, with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vying for the opening spot. 

“First of all, having all three of them in the team is a luxury. They are flawless in their own departments. Well, it is going to be a tight call, since they've been performing consistently. Whoever gets the opportunity, it is for team's benefit," Iyer said.

"And the player sitting outside, it is important that I have an interaction with him along with the coach that no matter what you'll get your opportunity when the day comes," he said.