Indian cricket seldom arrives at a Test match in perfect shape, and this particular occasion proves no different. With IPL 2026 concluding on 31 May, several senior players had virtually no recovery window before reporting to Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, for the one-off India vs Afghanistan Test starting 6 June. Among those who arrived carrying question marks over his body is Mohammed Siraj, one of India's most reliable seamers in red-ball cricket over recent years.
Mohammed Siraj's Workload Concern Before The India Vs Afghanistan Test
Since the IPL 2026 season ended, players like Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj could not arrive early in New Chandigarh, given their involvement in the tournament final. Siraj, in particular, played 17 matches for Gujarat Titans across a gruelling four months of cricket, which has prompted India's medical staff to monitor him closely. Since several bowlers like Prasidh and Siraj would be tired from playing and constant travel in IPL 2026, six net bowlers have also joined the squad. A final call on his fitness for the Test will reportedly follow assessments over the next two days.
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur hosts only the second-ever Test between these two sides, and India enter as heavy favourites. The fixture falls outside the World Test Championship cycle, meaning the result carries no bearing on India's WTC standings. That context has naturally fuelled debate about managing Siraj's workload rather than risking injury ahead of a busier schedule later in the year.
Auqib Nabi Waits In The Wings For India Vs Afghanistan Test
Should Siraj miss the contest, the selection picture becomes genuinely intriguing. The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy's highest wicket-taker, Auqib Nabi, despite missing out on the official squad, will travel with the team after being included in the BCCI's list of net bowlers for the match. Nabi finished the season with 60 wickets at an average of 12.57, helping Jammu and Kashmir win their maiden Ranji Trophy title, while also earning the Player of the Tournament award.
However, even if Siraj stands down, Nabi may not receive an immediate Test debut. With Bumrah rested and Harshit Rana and Akash Deep both unavailable through injury, selectors preferred Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar, handing him a maiden Test call-up alongside Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in the official squad. Brar, therefore, holds the advantage in the pecking order, and former India captain Anil Kumble has publicly backed Brar for a debut, suggesting that if he has been picked, there is a reason to play him.
The question of Nabi's omission from the original squad had already sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had indicated during the squad announcement that Nabi was close to making the final cut, but India preferred a smaller pace-bowling group given the home conditions at Mullanpur, which are expected to assist spinners.
India's training camp begins on 4 June, giving the medical team a narrow but workable window to assess Siraj before the match starts. As the India vs Afghanistan Test draws near, the final XI remains genuinely open, making this preparation phase as closely watched as the match itself promises to be.
