India vs Afghanistan: Mohammed Shami likely to return into the India squad for the one-off Test

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami could make a return to the Indian team in the near future. According to reports, the BCCI is considering entrusting Mohammed Shami with the leadership of the pace bowling attack for the solitary Test match against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place after the 2026 IPL season. Shami is currently spearheading the Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) pace bowling unit in the 2026 IPL.

So far in the 2026 IPL, he has managed to claim 10 wickets across a total of 12 matches. However, in the domestic series played before the 2026 IPL, Shami had already knocked on the door for a comeback through his impressive performances. He scalped a total of 37 wickets across 13 innings in 7 matches during the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy season—a feat that prompted fans to demand his return to Team India. Yet, despite these efforts, Shami's return to the national squad did not materialise at that time. The Indian team has been facing significant struggles in Test cricket over the last 18 months or so. 

Stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin have since retired, and the team is currently fielding a squad comprising many young players. However, thus far, India's performance against major cricketing nations has been rather underwhelming. In their most recent Test series, India suffered a 0-2 defeat at home against South Africa. Given this context, Team India may now look to this senior player for support for the upcoming cricket match.

Shami played his last Test match in 2023—the World Test Championship final against Australia—in which India suffered a 209-run defeat. Conversely, Shami's last international appearance came in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, where the Indian team became champions. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj may be rested for the solitary Test match against Afghanistan. In such a scenario, Mohammed Shami could lead the pace bowling attack. The Afghanistan tour of India will officially commence on June 6, when the Test match between the two teams is played in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The Test match is scheduled to take place from June 6 to June 10. Following the Test match, a three-match ODI series between the two teams will also be played from June 14 to June 20.

The BCCI will soon announce the test and ODI teams for the one test and three ODIs, respectively. According to reports, a couple of young players might get a chance to make their test debut during the red-ball contest.

Afghanistan tour of India 2026

Only test — June 6-10, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
1st ODI — June 14, Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala
2nd ODI — June 17, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
3rd ODI — June 20, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai