India’s star pacer Mohammed Siraj is doubtful for the one-off Test against Afghanistan which is scheduled to start on June 6 in Chandigarh. Siraj’s workload may be managed and he may spend time on the sidelines after playing 17 games for Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
As per a report by TOI, Siraj is being monitored by the medical staff after the pacer reached Chandigarh. A call on his availability for the one-off Test will be taken upon assessment in the next two days.
In his absence, Ranji Trophy 2025-26's highest wicket-taker Auqib Nabi may get a place in the Test squad. Nabi is currently in Chandigarh as one of the six net bowlers. However, if Siraj misses the one-off Test, the Jammu & Kashmir may not get to make his Test debut straightaway ahead of Gurnoor Brar who got the maiden Test call-up in the absence of rested Jasprit Bumrah, injured Harshit Rana and Akash Deep. .
Before announcing the Test squad, there was a discussion around resting Siraj for the one-off Test. However, the selectors were not in favour of having an inexperienced pace attack, especially with Bumrah rested.
"Siraj has had a long season and If he is rested, there is a bright possibility Gurnoor will play and Nabi will come into the squad," a source told the English daily.
Other pace options among net bowlers
Apart from Nabi, two other pacers who are bowling to Indian batters in the nets are Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav. While Gurjapneet is waiting for his maiden call-up, Prince has been added to India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series on the back of his performances for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2026.
Second Test against Afghanistan
This will be the second time India and Afghanistan will square off for a Test. The previous one was placed in 2018 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Eight years later, New Punjab Cricket Association International Stadium in New Chandigarh will host the Test.