Indian selectors on Tuesday evening announced the squad for the one-off Test and three-ODI series against Afghanistan. The series is set to start after the IPL 2026 season ends. Shubman Gill will lead the sides in both formats, with KL Rahul being named as the new Test vice-captain. Spinner Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have been given their maiden call-ups.

In the ODI format, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been named in the squad, while Prince Yadav makes his way to the side after his impressive IPL 2026 showing. Veteran all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are missing from the squads, raising doubts about the duo’s future.

Speaking to the media after the team was announced, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, “There is still 15-16 months to go for the ODI World Cup.

We wanted to try to see other options as well. It is well known what Jadeja and Axar can do in this format. Since the conditions in South Africa will be different, we wanted to try out new combinations.”

Jasprit Bumrah rested, Mohammed Shami’s snub continues

veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s international cricket exile continues despite his decent showing with the ball recently.

The 35-year-old’s last game for India was in 2025 during the Champions Trophy, while his last Test was way back in 2023.

Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the entire series to manage his workload. Agarkar told the media the pacer will be back for the England series. Bumrah played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup win, but his IPL 2026 campaign has been a total disappointment.

Gurnoor Brar gets a chance

Punjab pace bowler Gurnoor Brar has been handed his maiden international call-up as well.

Brar, who bowls with good speed, has been impressing the selectors with his wicket-taking skills and his hostile fast bowling. Auqib Nabi Dar missed out on selection despite claiming 60 wickets in the recent Ranji season and helping Jammu and Kashmir win the title.

Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, two upcoming left-arm spinners, are also part of the squad.

One of the players could be expected to make their Test debut, with Jadeja also being rested for the longest format of the game. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will head the pace attack, with Gurnoor likely to be the third seamer.

India’s ODI squad vs Afghanistan

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit SharmaVirat Kohli, S Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.

India’s Test Squad vs Afghanistan

Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (WK).