Jasprit Bumrah Workload Worries Grow Before India vs Afghanistan Test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is set to hold an important meeting with the national selectors either over the weekend or next week to discuss the future roadmap of India’s Test side. A major focus of the discussion will be the pace-bowling unit for the one-off Test against Afghanistan national cricket team, which begins on June 6 shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
According to a report by Times of India, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will sit down with BCCI officials to finalise plans for the upcoming red-ball assignments. While the batting unit is expected to feature India’s strongest available players, the selectors are still undecided on which fast bowlers will be included for the Afghanistan Test.
The report states that the selectors are waiting to see which teams qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs before taking a final call on the pace attack. Several frontline Indian fast bowlers are still involved in the playoff race, making workload management a key topic ahead of the Test match.
Jasprit Bumrah’s workload under scanner
Jasprit Bumrah remains at the centre of discussions around workload management. The Mumbai Indians pacer is currently the only frontline fast bowler whose IPL campaign will end before the playoffs, as Mumbai Indians have already been eliminated from the tournament.
Bumrah has played every IPL match for Mumbai this season after also featuring in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign earlier this year. The management is therefore expected to carefully assess his workload before deciding whether he should play the Afghanistan Test.
Siraj and Prasidh still in playoff race
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are still involved in the IPL playoff race with Gujarat Titans. Their participation in the knockout stage could affect their availability and preparation time for the Test match against Afghanistan.
India’s options are further limited due to injuries to Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, both of whom are reportedly unlikely to recover in time for the Test.
Mohammed Shami unlikely to return
The report also suggests that Mohammed Shami is unlikely to make a return to the Test side despite strong performances in domestic cricket. The veteran pacer has not played a Test for India since 2023, and sources claim that the selectors may have moved on from him in the red-ball setup.
“It would be a surprise if Shami gets picked for the Afghanistan Test,” the report quoted a source as saying, hinting that the management is now focused on preparing younger bowlers for the future.
Selectors want strongest possible XI
A BCCI source told the publication that the selectors are not treating the Afghanistan Test lightly and are determined to field the strongest available side.
“The selectors don’t believe in compromising the Test squad just because India are playing Afghanistan. They want the best lineup to play. They don’t want to distribute Test caps so easily,” the source said.
Nitish Kumar Reddy in focus
The source also revealed that Nitish Kumar Reddy is being viewed as a potential seam-bowling option for the Test setup. His all-round abilities could offer the team additional balance, especially if India decide to reduce the workload on specialist pacers.
“Siraj’s workload threshold is very high. Prasidh hasn’t played an IPL match since April 24. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also seen as someone who can contribute to the seam-bowling department,” the source added.
Young pacers asked to increase workload
The report further claims that the BCCI has instructed a targeted pool of young pacers to increase their workloads during IPL 2026. This group reportedly includes Anshul Kamboj and Gurnoor Brar, both of whom are being closely monitored by selectors.
The board is believed to be collecting extensive fitness and workload data before making final decisions on the squad composition for the Afghanistan Test.
Auqib Nabi emerges as wildcard option
Another interesting name in contention is Auqib Nabi. The youngster is reportedly being viewed as a wildcard option and could even make his Test debut if the selectors decide to take a bold call.
With the Afghanistan Test approaching quickly after IPL 2026, the upcoming BCCI meeting is expected to play a crucial role in shaping India’s fast-bowling plans not only for this series but also for the long-term future of the Test team.
