Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson Tipped for India Return vs Afghanistan
Preparing for the Afghanistan Challenge
Following the conclusion of the high-octane IPL 2026 season, Team India is set to host Afghanistan for a multi-format series. The tour, which promises high-quality cricket, features a one-off Test match followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee preparing to finalize the squads, excitement is building around potential player inclusions, specifically regarding the returns of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
The Test Match Venue and Scheduling
The cricketing action is scheduled to commence with a one-off Test match, taking place from June 6 to 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. This encounter will be followed by the ODI series, designed to test the depth of the current Indian squad. The first ODI is set for June 14 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, followed by the second clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on June 17, and the final match on June 20 at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Mohammed Shami: The Return of the Spearhead
Reports from RevSportz suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is strongly considering Mohammed Shami for the Test match. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, the team management faces the challenge of identifying a leader for the pace attack. Mohammed Siraj is also a candidate for a scheduled break, further necessitating the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Shami.
Shami has not featured in Test cricket since the World Test Championship Final in June 2023. However, his recent domestic and franchise form has silenced any lingering doubts regarding his fitness. Representing the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, Shami has demonstrated resilience and skill, claiming 10 wickets in 12 matches. His domestic record is equally impressive; he took 37 wickets in 13 innings during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, 15 wickets in 7 innings for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and 16 wickets in 7 innings during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Sanju Samson Expected in the ODI Fold
While the ODI squad is expected to maintain a degree of consistency, a change behind the stumps seems imminent. Sanju Samson, who has been in stellar form during the IPL 2026 season with the Chennai Super Kings, is the frontrunner to secure a spot. Having delivered match-winning performances throughout the 2026 T20 World Cup, Samson is primed to translate that success into the 50-over format.
The inclusion of Samson adds significant depth to the batting lineup. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him a valuable asset for the Indian team as they look toward future white-ball campaigns. The selection committee’s decision to favor Samson highlights his evolution into a reliable international performer.
Strategic Squad Rotations
The BCCI is expected to make calculated shuffles, particularly for the Test squad against a lower-ranked Afghanistan side. These rotations are intended to manage the workload of frontline bowlers who have been subject to a demanding international and domestic calendar. By integrating experienced players like Shami alongside emerging talents, the selection committee aims to build a robust pool of players capable of performing in all conditions.
As the date for the squad announcement approaches, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum established during the recent T20 World Cup and the ongoing IPL season. The series against Afghanistan provides an ideal platform for players to prove their mettle and solidify their places in the national setup for the upcoming international season.
