Auqib Nabi, who created havoc in domestic cricket, players sitting on the bench in IPL can make test debut against Afghanistan

New Delhi. Just a few days after the end of the Indian Premier League 2026, the focus will shift to red-ball cricket. The Indian team will play the only test match against Afghanistan. Due to the quick schedule, some all-format players may be given rest as India have a very busy schedule ahead. In such a situation, the selection committee can give a chance to the players who have performed well in domestic cricket in the Test team for the first time.

According to the TOI report, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aqib Nabi (Delhi Capitals), Vidarbha left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Rajasthan left-arm spinner Manav Suthar (Gujarat Titans) and Punjab fast bowler Gurnoor Brar (Gujarat Titans) could be included in the Test team, if the workload of all-format players is managed. Apart from this, Devdutt Padikkal and Nitish Kumar Reddy may also get a chance for this only test. The increase in Reddy’s fast bowling is being considered a big positive.

‘There is no use in fielding star players’

The Test match against Afghanistan will not be held under the World Test Championship. For this reason, the selectors and team management would not want to take the risk of injury to their all-format players. The season ahead is quite challenging. Injury to an important player during the second half of WTC 2025-27 or the preparation for the ODI World Cup 2027 can cause a big blow to the team. A legend like Jasprit Bumrah can be rested.

A source told the English newspaper, “One thing is clear about this selection panel: These people do not take decisions in a hurry. It is no secret that Gurnoor and Manav have made a lot of impact. Harsh, Auqib and Devdutt are also doing well. Everything will depend on the discussion between the think tank and the medical team. There is no point in fielding your star players in a five-day match in which there are no WTC points.”

The source further said, “There is very little time between the Test and ODI series. In such a situation, the same situation will happen again, where the regular players of Test and ODI like Gill, Bumrah, KL Rahul and even Ravindra Jadeja will have to change from T20 to Test and then ODI format in less than a month. The captain and coach have already expressed their opinion on such scheduling and the final decision can be theirs.”

When will the one-off test between India and Afghanistan take place?

This one-off test will be played at Maharaja Yadvinder Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur from June 6. After this there will be a three-match ODI series, then the Indian team will leave for the UK tour.