The IPL 2026 season is going on in full swing, and with the tournament nearing its end, Indian cricket fans are already looking forward to the Afghanistan tour of India 2026. The series is scheduled to begin on June 6 and conclude on June 20 in New Chandigarh, with Afghanistan set to play one Test and three ODIs in India as part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme.
A full-strength batting group led by Shubman Gill is expected to take the field in Mullanpur on June 6. But ahead of the one-off IND vs AFG Test, another talking point has grabbed attention. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, questions are already being raised over whether Shubman Gill could face his first big test as India captain in the clash against Afghanistan.
Shubman Gill-Led India Prepare for Afghanistan Test Clash in Mullanpur
As per a Times of India report, the “BCCI sends message to Test hopefuls” ahead of the Afghanistan Test, with players being asked to “increase workload for five-day fixture.” He also noted that there are “no red flags for batters,” as the “Shubman Gill-led group set to take the field in Mullanpur” for the one-off Test.
Gill, meanwhile, continues his strong run in IPL 2026. The Gujarat Titans captain climbed to fourth in the Orange Cap standings after his 84-run knock against the Rajasthan Royals in match no. , taking his tally to 462 runs at an average of 46.20 and a strike rate of 160.42.
Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Afghanistan Test; Mohammed Siraj to Lead Bowling Attack
He further shared that there are “some fresh faces on the cards, bowlers in particular,” while “Bumrah likely to be rested” and “Siraj is being monitored” ahead of the fixture. The report also highlighted the selection debate around the batting order, writing, “Sai or Padikkal or Washi? – the No. 3 call,” while adding that the “selectors want to focus on specialists in squad, XI” for the Afghanistan Test.
One of Mumbai Indians’ biggest setbacks this IPL season has been the lack of impact from their pace spearhead. Fresh off playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Jasprit Bumrah has struggled to find rhythm in MI colours.
In 11 innings, the pacer has managed just three wickets, with an economy rate of 8.51 and best figures of 1/15. More worrying for Mumbai was the fact that he went wicketless in the team’s first five matches, a rough start that reflected heavily on their season.
With Bumrah likely to miss the one-off Test, India’s probable squad could revolve around names like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul, alongside a few fresh faces expected to get an opportunity ahead of the Afghanistan clash.
