In what comes as a new development, the Indian team management and selectors are preparing to field a near full-strength batting line-up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan next month, despite the match not being part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
India, led by Shubman Gill, will host Afghanistan for a historic one-off Test in New Chandigarh starting June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series. According to the Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already started workload conversations with players in contention and is satisfied with the physical condition of the batting group.
KL Rahul, Jaiswal, Gill and Pant for IND vs AFG
That means India’s established red-ball core of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are all expected to feature in the Test.
“The initial plan was to keep monitoring the players’ workload and the medical team has not found any red flags at the moment regarding the batting group. There is still a week before the IPL playoffs picture becomes clearer but all the regular batters – KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant – are all set to take the field for the Afghanistan Test,” a source tracking developments told TOI.
“The BCCI gets regular data on player workload during the IPL and is satisfied with what it has seen so far,” the source added.
The move confirms India’s massive concern over Test cricket after recent disappointments in the format. India remain the kings of white-ball cricket, winning the Champions Trophy and back-to-back T20 World Cups but there is now a clear push from Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir to stabilise the red-ball setup ahead of must-win tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand later this year.
Bowling group under scanner
Batting unit looks settled but the bowling attack is expected to see major rotation. The Indian think tank will be wary about subjecting their premier quicks and all-format bowlers to another heavy workload so soon after the IPL and T20 World Cup cycle.
Contrary to previous reports, Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the Afghanistan Test, especially with the match carrying no WTC points. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna remain doubtful as well, with selectors expected to make late calls based on workload reports and fitness feedback. Among pacers, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep remain sidelined due to long-term injuries too.
“The bowling group is where changes are expected, as workload management is likely to kick in. There is no point burning the bowlers out for this fixture and it is also a great opportunity for selectors to test some quicks and spinners ahead of the all-important Test series in Sri Lanka,” the source added.
The fatigue in India’s bowling unit has become increasingly visible during IPL 2026. Bumrah has endured one of his toughest IPL seasons statistically, while Kuldeep Yadav has struggled badly for rhythm. Axar Patel’s impact has been non-existent with the bat. Even Prasidh Krishna, who started IPL 2026 strongly, found himself dropped briefly by Gujarat Titans after a dip in form.
Given that there’s just a week between the IPL 2026 final and the Afghanistan Test, the selectors are likely to use this game to assess fringe bowlers and build a stronger reserve pool for the longer season ahead.
Afghanistan tour of India schedule
| Day | Date | Time (IST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 06 June-26 | 9:30 AM | Test | New Chandigarh |
| Sunday | 14 June-26 | 1:30 PM | 1st ODI | Dharamshala |
| Wednesday | 17 June-26 | 1:30 PM | 2nd ODI | Lucknow |
| Saturday | 20 June-26 | 1:30 PM | 3rd ODI | Chennai |
