India announced their squads for the upcoming home Test and ODI series Afghanistanwith several new faces earning opportunities in both formats. The announcement marks India’s first return to Test cricket since their 2-0 defeat at home. South Africa In November 2025.
Shubman Gill and will lead India in both formats KL Rahul replaced Rishabh pants As vice-captain of the Test side. The selectors presented their first Test challenge to the all-round left-arm spin, rewarding local performers and emerging talent. Manav Suthar and fast bowler Gurnoor Brar. Another left arm spinner, Tough Dubeyhe was also included in the red ball squad after his impressive performances in domestic cricket.
India’s squad headlines an overhaul with fresh faces
India’s squads reflect a noticeable transition, especially in the bowling department. Although several senior names were unavailable due to workload management and injuries, the selectors opted to test the strength of the bench ahead of a packed international calendar. Fast bowlers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor, along with Harsh, received their first ODI call-ups for the three-match series against Afghanistan. The inclusion of free agents underlines India’s intention to expand its talent pool and identify long-term options in both formats.
Meanwhile, Ishan Kishi and Hardik Pandya returned to the ODI setup after missing the previous series against New Zealand earlier this year. Their return adds experience and balance to a middle order that is home to homework. On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh pants, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana and Muhammad Siraj Among the non-remarkables in the ODI squad that lost the 2-1 home series against New Zealand in January.
Ravindra Jadeja’s injury and Jasprit Bumrah’s rest affect selection calls
Ravindra Jadeja The absence comes after the experienced all-rounder was reportedly niggling during the closing stages of IPL 2026. Fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep was also unavailable after missing the entire IPL season due to injuries.
The decision to drop Bumrah from the one-off Test appears to be part of India’s workload and in his absence, Muhammad Siraj along with is expected to lead the pace attack Prasidh Krishna. The selectors also continued to back young all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundarboth of them feature in squads for both formats.
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India are set to face Afghanistan in a multi-format home series
The home series against Afghanistan will begin with a one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10. The teams will then move on to the ODI leg of the tour, with matches to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai on June 14, 17 and 20 respectively.
India and Afghanistan have previously faced each other in only one Test match, in Bangalore in 2018. India had dominated the contest, winning by an innings and 262 runs in two days. With a mix of established stars and emerging names, India will now hope that the upcoming series provides an ideal opportunity to regain momentum and strengthen their squad depth across formats.
India vs Afghanistan Test Squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Duber Bray and Harsh Juber D.
India ODI Squad vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Duy Yadav, Gurnoor Bray and Harsh.
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