New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test captain Shubman Gill are reportedly dissatisfied with the scheduling of the upcoming one off Test against Afghanistan, which is set to begin just days after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The IPL final is scheduled for May 31, leaving only a brief gap before the Test match begins on June 6. This tight turnaround has raised concerns within the team management about player workload and recovery, especially with several senior players expected to be involved deep into the IPL season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has come under scrutiny for the packed calendar, with both Gambhir and Gill having previously expressed reservations about congested scheduling. Reports suggest that the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, is now exploring alternative options.
Selectors are considering fielding a mix of reserve and emerging players for the Afghanistan Test. Names such as Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, Auqib Nabi, and Devdutt Padikkal are being discussed after strong performances in domestic cricket.
At the same time, senior players including Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja could be rested to manage fatigue and avoid injuries ahead of a demanding international schedule.
The Afghanistan Test does not carry points for the World Test Championship, which gives selectors flexibility in team selection. With multiple series lined up, including ODIs and Tests later in the year, the focus remains on keeping key players fit and available for priority assignments.
The situation highlights the growing challenge of balancing franchise commitments with international duties, as India prepares for a busy cricket calendar in the months ahead.
