India squad for Afghanistan Test and ODI series 2026: Full team lists for IND vs AFG series

India squad for Afghanistan Test and ODI series 2026: Full team lists for IND vs AFG series originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Rohit Sharma’s fitness will be monitored closely ahead of the Afghanistan series.
• Rishabh Pant set to lose vice-captaincy as Sanju Samson eyes ODI return.
• Bumrah and Siraj likely rested for Test; Shami considered as possible inclusion.
• JUMP TO:ODI squad, Test squad, Schedule

India to announce squad for Afghanistan Test and ODI series 

The Indian national team will be back in action from June 6, beginning with a standalone Test against Afghanistan before moving into a three-match ODI series.

With the T20 World Cup now behind them and the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia firmly on the horizon, selectors will use this series to start building the foundations of a squad that can compete for that title.

Before that, let us take a look at the key considerations for the selectors when they convene in Mumbai on May 19. 

Rohit Sharma: Fitness remains the question

The opening combination picks itself on paper, with captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma expected to lead off, followed by Virat Kohli at number three. However, Rohit’s physical condition will be watched carefully by the selection panel. 

The 39-year-old missed five consecutive IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians due to a right hamstring problem, returning only as an Impact Substitute in the matches that followed. While his batting has not been in question, he contributed 268 runs across seven outings; the concern is whether he can sustain long innings and field actively for 50 overs in a demanding format.

Wicketkeeping choices and Rishabh Pant’s uncertain role

KL Rahul has made the wicketkeeper-batter role his own in the ODI setup. His IPL form with Delhi Capitals has only reinforced his standing.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant is set to be relieved of his vice-captaincy duties ahead of this series due to his poor form. 

Dhruv Jurel has fared better in the IPL, scoring 314 from eleven innings batting at number three, but selectors appear to have their eyes elsewhere. Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have both been in outstanding form since India’s T20 World Cup triumph in February and March, and Samson, in particular, is reportedly likely to earn an ODI call-up. 

Will Jasprit Bumrah be rested against Afghanistan?

Jasprit Bumrah will reportedly be rested for the Afghanistan assignment, with selectors looking to preserve him for India’s white-ball tour of England.

Hardik Pandya’s availability is also in doubt after he sat out three IPL games for Mumbai Indians due to back spasms, and his fitness will be another item on the agenda when selectors convene. Mohammad Siraj is also likely to be given a rest for the Test match. 

Arshad Khan and Anshul Kamboj, both of whom can contribute lower down the batting order, are in the frame for backup roles in the 50-over format. For the Test specifically, Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar are being eyed as potential inclusions, with Prince Yadav emerging as a name in contention for the ODI squad.

Who will get the nod between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav?

Axar Patel has nudged ahead of Ravindra Jadeja in the ODI pecking order, partly because of better returns in the format and partly because Jadeja was left out of the ODI squad for Australia last year while Axar played. 

Washington Sundar, fresh from handling responsibility at number four and five for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, is building a strong case for a permanent spot in the squad as an off-spinning all-rounder. 

On the other hand,  Kuldeep Yadav’s form has been poor, and Varun Chakaravarthy’s fitness issues and absence from three consecutive ODI series suggest the management sees him strictly as a T20 bowler.

India squad for Afghanistan Test and ODI series 2026 – Full list

The team will be announced on May 19. Here are the predicted squads:

India Test squad for Afghanistan series (probable)

The team will be announced on May 19. 

• KL Rahul
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Shubman Gill(c)
• Rishabh Pant(wk)
• Washington Sundar
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Nitish Reddy
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna
• Manav Suthar
• Akash Deep
• Dhruv Jurel(wk)
• Auqib Nabi

India ODI squad for Afghanistan series (probable)

The team will be announced on May 19. 

• Rohit Sharma
• Shubman Gill (c)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Hardik Pandya
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Axar Patel
• Washington Sundar
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mohammed Siraj
• Sai Sudharsan
• Sanju Samson (wk)
• Prince Yadav

India vs New Zealand 2026 series schedule

IND vs AFG Test schedule

IND vs AFG ODIs

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