India Prepares for Test Against Afghanistan with Strong Squad

Team India is gearing up for a one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled for June 6 in Mullanpur. With a focus on player workload management post-IPL, the BCCI is likely to field a strong batting lineup while considering resting key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. The team is also evaluating options for the No. 3 batting position, with competition heating up between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. This match serves as a crucial opportunity for the selectors to test new talent ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 14:37 IST

Team India Gears Up for Afghanistan Test

Team India is set to field a nearly complete squad for a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, scheduled for June 6. As reported by a leading news outlet, the BCCI's medical team has begun contacting players who are in contention, advising them to gradually ramp up their training intensity. Following a busy IPL season, the BCCI aims to prevent player burnout, and with no concerns raised by the medical team, it appears that all key batsmen are ready to participate. A source mentioned, “The initial strategy was to keep an eye on the players’ workloads, and currently, the medical team has not identified any issues with the batting lineup. With a week remaining before the IPL playoffs, all regular batsmen, including KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, are expected to play in the Afghanistan Test. The BCCI has been consistently monitoring player workloads during the IPL and is pleased with the results so far.”

Jasprit Bumrah Expected to Be Rested

While India is likely to field a strong batting lineup, the board may choose to rest some bowlers ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Reports suggest that Jasprit Bumrah will not participate in the Test match, and decisions regarding Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will be made later. The board views this Test as a chance to evaluate new talent. A source stated, “Changes are anticipated in the bowling department as workload management becomes crucial. There’s no need to overexert the bowlers for this match, and it presents a valuable opportunity for selectors to assess some fast bowlers and spinners before the significant Test series in Sri Lanka.”

While India's batting lineup appears solid, the team is still searching for a dependable No. 3 batsman. Sai Sudharsan has been tested in this role, but his performance has not been convincing. He faces stiff competition from Devdutt Padikkal for the No. 3 position, especially after Padikkal's impressive domestic season, where he scored 523 runs in the Ranji Trophy and 725 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.