Former Mentor Ajay Jadeja Reunites With Afghanistan Players During India vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I 2026
Former India mentor Ajay Jadeja's emotional CWC23 reunion with the Afghanistan cricket team is making headlines as a heartwarming video circulates. This comes ahead of the 3rd and final T20I of the Friendship Cup 2026 between India and Afghanistan, set for today, September 17, at 07:00 PM IST in Delhi.
Delhi witnessed a touching moment as former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja, the revered mentor of the Afghanistan cricket team during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, reunited with his former charges. A video capturing the special 'CWC23 reunion' has gone viral, showcasing moments of warmth and respect between Jadeja and the Afghan players, including captain Ibrahim Zadran and star spinner Rashid Khan, as they prepare for the final match of the Friendship Cup 2026 T20I series against India. Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Play in India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2026?
Ajay Jadeja Reunites With Afghanistan Players
A Special CWC23 Reunion! 🤩#AfghanAtalan reunited with Ajay Jadeja, their mentor during the CWC23, sharing moments of respect, warmth, and plenty of laughter ahead of the second T20I against India. 🙌#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvIND | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/7TWNuaE5uH
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 17, 2026
Ajay Jadeja's Impactful Mentorship in CWC23
Ajay Jadeja, now 55 years old, joined the Afghanistan squad as their team mentor just before the 2023 ODI World Cup, a decision that proved instrumental in their remarkable performance. Under his guidance, Afghanistan shed their 'minnows' tag, securing historic victories against cricketing powerhouses like England and Pakistan. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan had previously revealed that Jadeja graciously refused any payment for his services, stating that the team's good performance was all the reward he needed. This selflessness clearly forged a deep bond with the players, making this reunion particularly poignant.
India vs Afghanistan: Friendship Cup 2026 T20I Series
The reunion comes as India hosts Afghanistan for a three-match T20I series, officially dubbed the Friendship Cup 2026. All matches are being played at the iconic Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. India has already clinched the series, leading 2-0 after dominant performances in the first two encounters.
Series Results So Far:
- 1st T20I: September 13, 2026 – India won by seven wickets, chasing down a target of 157 after Afghanistan posted 156/8. Abhishek Sharma was the Player of the Match for his 82 runs off 32 balls.
- 2nd T20I: September 15, 2026 – India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets. Sanju Samson was the standout performer for India, smashing 57 runs off just 22 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up 3/24. Afghanistan had posted 159/8. Delhi Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2026.
The Final Showdown: 3rd T20I Details
The third and final T20I, which is a dead rubber in terms of series outcome, is scheduled for today, September 17, 2026. India, led by Shreyas Iyer, will be looking to complete a clean sweep, while Ibrahim Zadran's Afghanistan will aim for a consolation win.
As the Friendship Cup concludes, the circulating video of Ajay Jadeja's reunion with the Afghan players serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds forged beyond wins and losses, highlighting the spirit of cricket and mutual respect between nations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2026 04:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
