India squad for Afghanistan series: Bumrah’s workload, Rohit’s fitness in focus

Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management will be discussed alongside Rohit Sharma’s match fitness when the national selectors pick India’s squads for the one-off Test next month and the three ODIs against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

There is a short turnaround between the IPL and the one-off Test starting in Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) from June 6. The IPL final is scheduled for May 31 in Ahmedabad.

The ODI games will be held in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai on June 14, 17 and 20 respectively.

Bumrah is unlikely to be picked for both formats as there is no immediate rush to feature in ODIs. The Over 50 World Cup is still a long way off (October-November 2027).

Rohit missed a chunk of Mumbai Indians matches earlier in the IPL due to a hamstring injury and only came out to bat as an impact player in the last match against Punjab Kings. The selector will include him in the side only if he is fully fit for the 100 overs of the ODI game.

Superstar Virat Kohli, who like Rohit is now a one-format player, has shown sublime form in the IPL and is expected to feature in all the three ODIs against Afghanistan.

The one-off Test holds more significance given India’s struggles in the traditional format, especially at home.

Batsmen have to find a way to deal with conditions that are conducive to spin. It’s an aspect that has plagued them for some time and was thoroughly exposed by South Africa in the home series last November.

India have also not been able to find a stable number three ever since Cheteshwar Pujara left the scene.

Sai Sudharsan got a chance but failed to convert it. And now, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to be busy right from the start of the domestic season.

Historic Ranji Trophy triumph by the architect of Jammu and Kashmir, Aquib Nabi, is also likely to be part of the selectors’ discussion for the test team. He took 60 goals in a stellar campaign.

PRINCE YADAV FOR ODIS

Prince Yadav, who has impressed with his pace and accuracy in the ongoing IPL, can be tested in the ODI series.

If Bumrah is not part of this side, Mohammed Siraj will be the leader of the attack and Prasidh Krishna is all too likely to feature in it.

Like Rohit, Hardik Pandya has also struggled to stay fit in the IPL after back spasms. Whether he is available for ODIs remains to be seen.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

18 May 2026 16:45 IST