The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior men’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will announce India’s squad for the one-off Test and three-match ODI series against Afghanistan later this week. The bilateral series is scheduled to take place from June 6 to June 20, 2026.
India is expected to field a complete squad for the one-off Test in New Chandigarh starting on June 6, although the inclusion of world No. 1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains uncertain. Reports suggest he might be rested to manage his workload, as the match falls outside the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Potential Call-ups and Team Composition
In the event that Bumrah is unavailable, Jammu and Kashmir bowler Auqib Nabi Dar, who was instrumental in his team’s Ranji Trophy victory this season, could receive his first call-up to the national side. He ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker.
For the ODI squad, India’s pace attack will be a focal point. Harshit Rana has been ruled out due to injury, and Mohammed Shami is reportedly not in the selectors’ future plans. The selection of players like Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, and Axar Patel is also under scrutiny.
Key Player Updates
KL Rahul’s consistent performances have solidified his position as India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter. His experience will be crucial, particularly with the ODI World Cup set to take place in South Africa next year.
The BCCI is considering changes in leadership roles, notably reviewing Rishabh Pant’s position as Test vice-captain ahead of the one-off Test. The selectors are expected to discuss his status critically during their meeting on May 19 in Guwahati.
Jasprit Bumrah’s participation remains a topic of discussion, as selectors aim to balance his workload while finalizing the squads. His inclusion in either the Test or ODIs against Afghanistan is yet to be confirmed.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness is also uncertain due to ongoing back issues that he has faced during the IPL season. Meanwhile, Prince Yadav is positioned as a strong candidate for an ODI debut, following his impressive showings in the IPL.
Batting Line-up and Future Considerations
The search for a reliable number three batter continues, particularly after Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit from the setup. Devdutt Padikkal is expected to be given an extended chance in this position to help stabilize the batting order.
The significance of the one-off Test against Afghanistan is heightened by India’s recent challenges in red-ball cricket, particularly at home. The management is keen to identify players capable of adapting to spin-friendly conditions.
Virat Kohli is anticipated to be available for the entire ODI series against Afghanistan, having demonstrated strong form throughout the IPL, which adds stability to India’s middle-order plans.
Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the ODI squad hinges on his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL. Selectors are likely to assess his ability to withstand the demands of a full 100-over game before confirming his place.
Upcoming Matches and Venues
Following the one-off Test, a three-match ODI series will take place, with matches scheduled in Dharamsala on June 14, Lucknow on June 17, and Chennai on June 20. This series is pivotal as both teams prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in the next year.
As India’s Test cricket relationship with Afghanistan evolves, this upcoming fixture marks only the second meeting between the two sides in Test cricket since Afghanistan’s inaugural match in India eight years ago.
