India’s preparations for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan have hit a minor roadblock, with fast bowler Mohammed Siraj’s availability still uncertain ahead of the match in New Chandigarh. The Indian team management is expected to make a final decision on the pacer’s workload over the next couple of days, balancing immediate requirements with long-term fitness concerns.
Siraj arrives for the Test after an intense IPL 2026 campaign with the Gujarat Titans, where he featured in every match, including the final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 31. Having played a packed schedule throughout the tournament, the right-arm pacer remains under the watch of the Indian medical staff, who are assessing whether he should be given a break before returning to the demands of red-ball cricket.
The uncertainty has forced the team management to prepare contingency plans. If Siraj is ultimately rested, left-arm seamer Gurnoor Brar is likely to make his Test debut for India. Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi could earn a late call-up to the main squad after impressing selectors with his recent domestic performances.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Best XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajat Patidar Lead Team of the Tournament
According to reports, the Indian think tank is closely monitoring Siraj’s recovery before making a final call.
Nabi has emerged as one of the most exciting pace prospects in Indian domestic cricket. The young fast bowler enjoyed a breakthrough Ranji Trophy season, claiming 60 wickets and playing a crucial role in helping Jammu & Kashmir secure a historic title. His performances have earned him a place among India’s net bowlers for the Afghanistan Test.
🚨 SIRAJ DOUBTFUL FOR AFGHANISTAN TEST ,AUQIB NABI KEPT ON STANDBY 🚨
– Mohammed Siraj’s availability for the one-off Test against Afghanistan remains uncertain, with selectors keeping Auqib Nabi on standby as a backup option ahead of the match. 🇮🇳🏏(Pratyush Raj/TOI) pic.twitter.com/T2S6Auuex4
— Faruk (@uf2151593) June 3, 2026
The pace bowler is currently training alongside Gurjapneet Singh, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar as part of the support group assisting the national team’s preparations. Led by captain Shubman Gill, the Indian squad has already arrived in New Chandigarh and begun training ahead of the match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
The squad also features key players such as vice-captain KL Rahul, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. The Afghanistan Test holds added significance for India as it marks their first appearance in the longest format since last year’s home series defeat to South Africa.
ALSO READ: India vs Afghanistan Test Tickets Go Live As BCCI Unveils Pricing Structure
It will also serve as an important stepping stone before challenging overseas assignments in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. This will be only the second Test meeting between India and Afghanistan. Their previous encounter took place in Bengaluru in 2018, when India registered a commanding innings-and-262-run victory.
