Mohammed Siraj likely to miss the IND vs AFG test. Here’s the update

The India vs Afghanistan one-off test is set to commence on June 6 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, for which Team India has already started practising. However, some reports indicate there could be a major change in Team India's squad. The management is considering giving fast bowler Mohammed Siraj a two-month rest after the IPL season, and Auqib Nabi could be included in the squad in his place. Siraj was leading the pace attack of IPL 2026 runners-up, the Gujarat Titans, and he played all 17 matches from the start of the season till the end. The Indian team management is considering taking this decision in light of workload management.

Reports indicate that the Indian team is likely to take a final call on Siraj's availability within the next 48 hours. The medical staff is continuously monitoring Siraj, who is currently attached to the Test squad in Chandigarh. However, his participation will depend on the outcome of the assessment conducted over the coming days.

If Mohammed Siraj is indeed rested, the management may replace him with 32-year-old Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who is currently with the squad as a net bowler. In such a scenario, Gurnoor Brar could be handed his India debut in the playing XI, and maybe both will be included in the playing XI.

Still, it will be interesting to see whether the management actually rests Siraj or not. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj leads the pace attack. If Siraj does not play, then Prasidh Krishna will be seen leading the pace attack. 

"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 was quoted as saying by TOI. 

Auqib Nabi's recent Test form has been excellent. In the Ranji Trophy 2025/26, he took 60 wickets and played a major role in making Jammu and Kashmir the Ranji Champions. Nabi is currently with the squad as a net bowler, where Gurjapneet Singh Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar are also present.

India test squad vs Afghanistan

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