India Squad for Afghanistan Series: Major Selection Calls Await on May 19

The Indian squad for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan is expected to be announced on May 19, with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee facing several important decisions. The one-off Test and ODI series, beginning on June 6, arrives while IPL 2026 is still underway, making player workload and availability major concerns. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to The Times of India that the selection meeting will take place on May 19.

The lone Test match is scheduled to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium. With several senior players involved in IPL commitments, selectors are expected to carefully balance workload management and long-term planning while finalising the squad.

Certain names in the Test squad appear almost guaranteed. Yashasvi Jaiswal has established himself as one of India’s most dependable red-ball batters since debuting in 2023. KL Rahul is also expected to retain his place despite a disappointing South Africa series.

Captain Shubman Gill is likely to return after recovering from injury, while Rishabh Pant will aim to rediscover his best form as he nears his 50th Test appearance. Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remains a key figure because of his all-round abilities.

No. 3 Spot Becomes India’s Biggest Selection Puzzle

One of the biggest selection debates revolves around the No. 3 batting position. Sai Sudharsan has received several opportunities since the England series but has struggled to make the spot his own. His difficulties against the incoming delivery and inconsistent returns have weakened his case.

This could open the door for Devdutt Padikkal, who enjoyed an excellent domestic season, scoring 543 runs at an average of 60. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly backed Padikkal, praising his improved game against spin and supporting him as a long-term option at No. 3.

Another batter who could return to the Test setup is Sarfaraz Khan. Despite strong Ranji Trophy performances and decent returns in the few Tests he has played, Sarfaraz has not featured since the Australia tour.

Meanwhile, workload management may keep Jasprit Bumrah out of the Test squad, with reports suggesting he could prioritise the ODI series instead. In his absence, Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Prasidh Krishna.

The selectors are also considering fresh pace options, including Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi. Nabi, in particular, has strengthened his case after taking 60 wickets in 10 Ranji Trophy matches at an average of just 12.56.

Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey and Kotian in Contention

In the spin department, Axar Patel could miss out due to declining returns in Tests, opening opportunities for players like Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Tanish Kotian.

Following the Afghanistan assignment, India will travel to Ireland for a two-match T20I series in Belfast on June 26 and 28. However, discussions around India’s T20I captaincy have intensified because of the inconsistent form of current skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

According to reports from The Hindu, the BCCI selection committee is expected to hold informal discussions about India’s future T20I leadership during the May 19 meeting in Guwahati. Potential alternatives reportedly include Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan as India begin planning for the 2028 T20 World Cup cycle.

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by mishaalmubarak May 17, 2026