New Delhi: India’s top cricketers are likely to be rested for the upcoming one off Test against Afghanistan in June, as team management looks to manage workload following the Indian Premier League 2026. The match is scheduled to begin on June 6, just six days after the IPL final on May 31, leaving minimal recovery time for players involved in the league.
Key players such as Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be given a break, particularly as the Test does not count towards the ICC World Test Championship cycle. However, they are likely to return for the subsequent three match ODI series.
With a packed international calendar ahead, including a white ball tour of England and multiple Test assignments, selectors are prioritising player fitness and long term availability. The focus remains on keeping leading players fresh for crucial fixtures, including upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, as well as preparations for the next ODI World Cup.
The selection committee is expected to take a final call closer to the series, with decisions potentially influenced by how teams like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans perform in the latter stages of the IPL.
If senior players are rested, the Afghanistan Test could provide an opportunity for emerging domestic talents. Players such as Devdutt Padikkal, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, and Manav Suthar are among those being considered for selection after consistent performances in domestic cricket.
India is set to resume international action with the Afghanistan Test, followed by a three match ODI series. Later in the month, a T20I squad will travel to Ireland for a short bilateral series.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns around scheduling, with players expected to switch formats rapidly from T20 to Test and then to ODIs within a short span. Managing player workload and ensuring peak fitness will remain a key priority as India navigates a demanding cricket calendar.
