India vs Afghanistan: Mohammed Siraj’s availability hangs in the balance; Auqib Nabi on standby for one-off Test in Afghanistan

Mohammed Siraj and Auqib Nabi (Image credit: Agencies) TimesofIndia.com in Chandigarh: The Indian team management is likely to take a final call on Mohammed Siraj’s workload in the next 48 hours ahead of the one-off Test in Afghanistan. If the 32-year-old is rested, Auqib Nabi will replace him in the lineup. The test starts on June 6 in New Chandigarh.TimesofIndia.com has learned that medical staff are monitoring Siraj, who has already arrived in Chandigarh, but his participation is subject to evaluation over the next two days. The bowler had a long season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Gujarat Titans (GT), playing every match, including the final on 31 May. The Titans lost the final by five wickets to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Resting Siraj for the one-off Test was mooted, but the decision makers did not want to field a completely inexperienced bowling attack. If the selectors call to rest Siraj late, Gurnoor Brar is likely to make his debut and Nabi will be added to the squad.It is worth noting at this stage that the contest between India and Afghanistan is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Mohammed Siraj finished the IPL 2026 season with 19 wickets for Gujarat Titans. (AP)

“Siraj has had a long season and if he is rested, there is a distinct possibility that Gurnoor will play and Nabi will come into the team,” a source following the developments told TimesofIndia.com.Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season to lead Jammu and Kashmir to the title, has joined the Indian squad as one of six bowlers to help the team prepare for the Test.Apart from Nabi, pacers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav and spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar have also been asked to bowl in the nets.

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The one-off Test, to be played at the New Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Stadium in New Chandigarh, will be followed by three ODIs in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.