Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has spoken candidly about a gruelling two-year injury layoff as he prepares to make his international comeback in the T20I series against India, set to begin on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The 26-year-old, sidelined by successive physical setbacks including a stress fracture of his right shoulder, is eager to reclaim his place as one of Afghanistan's premier death-over specialists.

The Injury Ordeal

Naveen's absence from international cricket stretched to nearly two years following a cascade of injuries. A stress fracture to his right shoulder was followed by a second surgery for labrum repair — a procedure that forced extreme physical restrictions during rehabilitation.

'It is lonely. It's a very tough time for a person. The stress fracture healed itself within eight to ten weeks. But I had a second surgery for labrum repair. For the first six weeks of rehab in the UK, I had to sit while sleeping,' Naveen told Cricinfo.

The shoulder injuries ultimately contributed to him being ruled out of Afghanistan's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, one of the most significant tournaments in the country's recent cricketing history.

Watching From the Sidelines: A Painful Experience

Perhaps the most psychologically difficult moment during his recovery came during Afghanistan's dramatic double Super Over defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad at the 2026 T20 World Cup. Unable to contribute, Naveen could only watch.

'I had the feeling that if I was there for the team, maybe I could have done something different in the death overs,' he said — a remark that underscores how central his role in close finishes has been to Afghanistan's recent T20 success.

A Decorated Return

When Naveen does take to the field again, he returns with considerable credentials. He made his Afghanistan debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2016 at just 17 and has since grown into one of the most feared death-over bowlers in the format. His performances at the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup — 13 wickets at an average of 12.30 and an economy rate of 6.00 — were instrumental in Afghanistan's historic run to the semi-finals.

Naveen announced his retirement from ODI cricket in 2023, with injuries playing a significant role in that decision. His focus is now squarely on T20 cricket and contributing to Afghanistan's continued rise in the format.

The Team's Generational Bond

Beyond his personal comeback, Naveen highlighted the deep camaraderie within Afghanistan's current squad — one built over years of shared experience in the junior system.

'In this generation, you will see nine or ten players who have been playing for Afghanistan since the Under-19s together, since 2018. Those players are now in the national team, playing franchise cricket all over,' he said.

This cohesion, he suggested, is a key driver of Afghanistan's rapid ascent in world cricket. Naveen himself acknowledged the finite nature of a fast bowler's career, expressing a desire to play as much cricket as possible while his body allows.

'We have to play as much cricket as we can, but one day, it's all going to end. Everyone has to leave, and we're going to miss it as cricketers. We have to play, get on the ground, and feel the pressure,' he said.

With the India T20I series offering him a high-profile stage for his return, all eyes will be on whether Naveen can rediscover the form that made him one of Afghanistan's most dangerous weapons in the shortest format.