Last Updated on May 20, 2026 by Naveen Saini
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is about to inform the fans what the India squad looks like in the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, and there are a lot of big names awaiting a decision from the board. Before the crucial international call-up, the selectors and captain will have to face some difficult choices with respect to senior players, injuries and promising youngsters to name a few.
Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Update Before Afghanistan Series
One of the major talking points ahead of the announcement of the Indian team is Captain Rohit Sharma. The selectors are cautious about his fitness and are seeing if he has it to play in both formats in the softball game, reports indicate. Although Rohit has been a central figure and handy captain for India, they have kept an eye on him due to his recurring fitness worries.
Keep it in mind that Rohit is expected to retain his charge to lead India in the ODI format, if he comes back on par, according to sources. The BCCI management is reportedly keen on having experienced players in the squad as India gears up for its next ICC events.
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Virat Kohli’s ODI Return Creates Buzz
Former India skipper Virat Kohli is likely to come back in fine form to lead India’s ODI team in the Afghanistan series. Kohli is still one of the most reliable batsmen in white-ball cricket and it will give India a great middle order in addition to him.
The team management has viewed the Afghanistan ODI series as a good chance to rejuvenate India’s main batting line-up as per the reports. This is a test of Kohli’s experience, consistency, and capacity to provide a backbone to the innings, which keeps him at the top of the team sheet.
Ajit Agarkar Faces Tough Selection Decisions
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has some tricky decisions to come to a decision on before outlining his squads. The level of competition in the Indian side is high in all departments, in particular in the bowling department, keeping department and spin all-rounders.
The selectors will need to decide how much they want to trust the experienced players or put faith in players with lots of youthful experience in domestic cricket and IPL. Senior players who are planning to go on international tours are also expected to get more focus on workload management by the management given the packed international calendar for the Indian players.
There are also reports that talks on vice-captaincy and backups of leading positions are flowing during selection meetings.
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Mohammed Shami & Bumrah Injury Updates
Another big issue for India will be the fitness of their pace attack. Mohammed Shami, a veteran pacer, is said to be returning after being troubled with injuries. His experience and experience to perform well under pressure make him a valuable addition in Test and ODI cricket.
In the meantime, management is likely to be prudent when it comes to Jasprit Bumrah. The selectors are reportedly not keen on plunging into Bumrah and making him carry too much in the next several tournaments as he is coming up from his hip injury.The selectors are not keen to send him in overload, particularly with the important suits to come in the next few months.
There is a possibility of greater roles for other bowlers such as Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Siraj if both the age group pacers are unavailable.
Young Players Who Could Earn Surprise Call-Ups
Several emerging Indian stars will have a chance to perform in the Afghanistan series. Youngsters like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar are said to be being considered for the squad.
It is believed that selectors are favoring the players who have been consistently playing the domestic cricket along with the franchise cricket. India is looking to build more bench strength with young wicket takers batting all-rounders also in the bouquet.
Fans are also very excited about the prospect of the first time around for them getting a call-up into the Indian team.
India’s Probable ODI Squad vs Afghanistan
Let’s make an educated guess at the probable Indian ODI side from the available reports, which are likely to have some seasoned players as well as some new ones. The team is likely to consist of:
Shubman Gill(C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey.
The final list will be based on discussions between the BCCI medical team and the selectors, regarding fitness clearance and workload.
Test Squad Changes That Fans Should Watch
A big change in the Test team may be in the cards for India in the recent series. The selectors will be looking to develop on a player’s red-ball form, as well as balancing the workload on some of the senior players.
Players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill should be considered crucial for India’s Test side. The bowling might also depend on experience and youth because of the availability of Shami and Bumrah especially.
Test Squad for team India: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (WK)
The selectors are also said to be keen on seeing long-tenure World Test options before India’s next World Test Championship cycle gets going. As per Hindustan Times, Ravindra Jadeja has been rested from both the Test and ODI squads for the Afghanistan series as part of workload management.
Key Takeaways From BCCI’s Squad Announcement Meeting
The key commonality among the upcoming squad announcements is that India is clearly emphasizing on blending experience with the youth. In the mix, the selectors are also looking at churning out the future generation while the senior guys like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are a part of the plans of the Indian team.
Preseason fitness management, injury management and future tournament preparation will play a significant role in determining the final squads. Therefore, the Afghanistan series may end up being a significant venue for the established players as well as youngsters to enhance their contribution towards the India team.
FAQ
Q1. When will BCCI announce India’s squad for Afghanistan series 2026?
BCCI is expected to announce the India squad for the Afghanistan Test and ODI series in June 2026. The official announcement date has not been confirmed yet.
Q2. Will Virat Kohli play in India vs Afghanistan ODI series 2026?
Virat Kohli is reportedly being considered for India’s ODI squad against Afghanistan. The team management sees this series as an opportunity to rebuild India’s batting lineup for upcoming ICC events.
Q3. Is Rohit Sharma fit for India vs Afghanistan 2026?
Rohit Sharma’s fitness is being monitored by BCCI selectors. He is expected to lead India’s ODI team if he clears fitness requirements. A final decision will be made closer to the series.
Q4. Will Jasprit Bumrah play in Afghanistan series 2026?
Bumrah is being managed carefully due to his hip injury. Selectors are reportedly cautious about his workload ahead of important ICC tournaments. His participation in the Afghanistan series is uncertain.
Q5. Who could be the young players in India’s Afghanistan squad 2026?
Young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar are reportedly being considered. Selectors are looking to build bench strength for India’s future ICC campaigns.
