(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
India Rest Jasprit Bumrah for One-Off Test Against Afghanistan
India have rested star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan next month.
The decision was confirmed by selectors as part of workload management and injury prevention measures, especially for players involved across all formats of international cricket and the Indian Premier League.
Bumrah, 32, has been heavily involved in all three formats for India and is currently active in the IPL with Mumbai Indians. Jadeja was also ruled out after picking up a minor injury during IPL action.
Shubman Gill to Lead India
Young batter Shubman Gill will captain the 15-member Test squad, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain after replacing Rishabh Pant in the leadership role.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the decision regarding Pant was not a reflection of his place in the Test team, adding that he remains an important part of India’s batting lineup.
New Faces in the Squad
The Test squad also includes several new and emerging players, with maiden call-ups for spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, along with pace bowler Gurnoor Brar.
Veteran players continue to provide balance, with a mix of experience and youth in the squad.
ODI Series to Follow Test Match
After the Test match, India and Afghanistan will also play a three-match ODI series scheduled for June 14, 17, and 20.
The ODI squad includes senior players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and others, subject to fitness clearance.
The selectors have emphasized workload management and long-term player fitness as key priorities ahead of a busy international cricket calendar.
