India's top-order batsmen, including Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, underwent rigorous net sessions at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, preparing for their upcoming match against Afghanistan. Concerns over Rohit's fitness were addressed by spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who emphasized his invaluable experience and leadership.
Kuldeep Yadav is prioritizing Test cricket for the upcoming Afghanistan series, using his IPL break for red-ball preparation. He aims to deliver breakthroughs and acknowledges the shift from T20s, emphasizing patience and consistency.
India's cricket team is considering Devdutt Padikkal for the No. 3 batting position in the upcoming Test against Afghanistan. The team also faces a decision on a replacement spinner for the rested Ravindra Jadeja, with Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar in contention.
With Ravindra Jadeja out, India's one-off Test vs Afghanistan highlights emerging talent. Ravichandran Ashwin is eager to watch all-rounder Harsh Dubey, who has impressed in domestic and IPL cricket. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead the spin attack.
India intensifies training for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, with Mohammed Siraj bowling at full intensity and Shubman Gill practicing. Pacers impress, while spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar are assessed. Mayank Yadav focuses on fitness.
Mohammed Siraj's workload is under scrutiny ahead of the one-off Afghanistan Test. A decision on his participation will be made within 48 hours. If rested, Gurnoor Brar may debut and Auqib Nabi could join the squad.
India's Test squad has arrived in New Chandigarh for a one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 6. This match is crucial for India to regain confidence in Test cricket after a previous series defeat and prepare for upcoming tours.
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar criticized the selection committee for overlooking Auqib Nabi, the top wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy, for the Test against Afghanistan. Nabi took 60 wickets and led J&K to their maiden title.
India's senior selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will select squads for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and three subsequent ODIs on May 19. Shubman Gill is expected to lead the batting unit in the Test, with fresh faces like Gurnoor Brar potentially included in the bowling group. For the ODIs, KL Rahul is likely to remain the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter despite Rishabh Pant's inconsistency, while Ishan Kishan's form may earn him consideration. The spin-bowling all-rounder role, currently held by Ravindra Jadeja, is under discussion, with Axar Patel as a potential alternative.
India's national selectors face a dilemma in choosing fast bowlers for the one-off Test against Afghanistan due to a tight schedule and IPL workload concerns for key pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
The BCCI medical team is clearing players for the Afghanistan Test, with a full-strength batting lineup expected. However, workload management will likely see changes in the bowling department, potentially giving opportunities to new faces. The No. 3 batting position remains a concern ahead of upcoming tours.
Team India is considering resting key players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June 2026 to manage workloads following the IPL. Fringe players may receive maiden call-ups for the non-WTC fixture.
Indian cricket team management is considering resting top players including captain Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah for the one-off Test against Afghanistan (June 6-10) due to minimal gap between IPL final (May 31) and the match. With no World Test Championship points at stake and a packed calendar including ODIs and England tour, selectors may prioritize player workload management. Potential maiden call-ups include pacer Gurnoor Brar and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who have impressed in India A setup.
