Our Bureau
Mumbai
Indian cricket selectors face a tough task in picking fast bowlers for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. The match starts on June 6 in New Chandigarh. This comes right after the busy IPL season.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remain key players in focus. Selectors want a full-strength squad under captain Shubman Gill. They do not plan to weaken the team just because the opponent is Afghanistan. A BCCI source said, “The selectors don’t believe in compromising the Test squad.”
The game falls outside the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Still, India aims for its best lineup. BCCI monitors workload closely for all players. Bumrah’s workload has long been a concern. One report notes he is likely to play but after detailed talks. Another says he may rest. Siraj has a very high workload threshold. He bowled well in IPL. Prasidh Krishna, who last played IPL on April 24, is also on the radar. Top three fast bowlers are Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh, per BCCI sources.
BCCI medical team asked players to increase workload gradually. No red flags yet for batters. Full batting group led by Gill looks set for Mullanpur. Selectors avoid handing out Test caps easily. A final call on Bumrah will follow discussions. India eyes strong show to stay sharp before bigger Tests.
