India pacer Mohammed Siraj is under pressure to recover in time for the upcoming Test against Afghanistan, set to start on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. After a demanding IPL 2026 season with Gujarat Titans (GT), the Indian team management may rest him to manage his workload better.
Siraj played in all 17 matches during the IPL, including the final on May 31. The Gujarat Titans, captained by Shubman Gill, finished as runners-up after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Reports suggest the Indian team will make a decision on Siraj’s availability in the next 48 hours. The medical team is keeping a close watch on the right-arm fast bowler, who has already joined the squad in Chandigarh. His inclusion will depend on the results of the evaluations conducted in the next few days.
While Siraj’s workload is a topic of discussion, selectors want to ensure the pace attack remains experienced for the Test. If the decision is to rest the 32-year-old, Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi may be added to the squad. In that case, Gurnoor Brar could make his debut in the playing XI.
“Siraj has had a long season and if he is rested, there is a bright possibility Gurnoor will play and Nabi will come into the squad,” a source told TOI.
Nabi has been in strong form, taking 60 wickets during the Ranji Trophy season and helping Jammu & Kashmir win the title. He is currently with the Indian team as one of six net bowlers preparing for the Afghanistan Test.
Along with Nabi, pacers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav, as well as spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar, are participating in the team’s training sessions. The Afghanistan Test will take place in New Chandigarh before India moves on to a three-match ODI series scheduled for Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai.