New Delhi— India have announced their squads for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, with senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the one-off Test match scheduled in June. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been named vice-captain of the Test side, replacing Rishabh Pant in the leadership role.
The one-off Test against Afghanistan will be played from June 6 to 10 in New Chandigarh, marking India’s first red-ball assignment since the home Test series defeat against South Africa last year. Shubman Gill will continue to lead the Test side.
Along with Bumrah, senior all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, as well as pacer Akash Deep, have also been left out of the squad due to workload management and fitness concerns.
The selectors have handed maiden Test call-ups to Rajasthan spinner Manav Suthar, Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar, and Vidarbha left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey following impressive domestic performances.
India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan also features several notable developments. Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retained their places, while Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya return to the side subject to fitness clearance.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Siraj have been excluded from the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series.
The ODI series will be played across Dharamshala on June 13, Lucknow on June 17, and Chennai on June 20.
India chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Pant remains an important part of India’s Test plans despite losing the vice-captaincy. He stated that KL Rahul’s experience made him the preferred choice for the deputy role, especially considering future overseas assignments.
Agarkar also confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are currently recovering from injuries suffered during IPL 2026 and will be included in the ODI squad only after being declared fully fit. Bumrah, meanwhile, is expected to return for India’s ODI series against England later this year.
The selectors’ decision to include emerging talents such as Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav reflects India’s focus on building bench strength ahead of future ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup in South Africa. Agarkar praised the young bowlers for their strong domestic performances and rapid development over the past season.
The Afghanistan series is expected to provide India with an opportunity to test fresh combinations while balancing the workload of senior players ahead of a busy international calendar.
