India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has confirmed that Mohammed Siraj will be available for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan. Recent reports suggested that Siraj might miss the match, with Auqib Nabi set to join the squad as his backup.
However, ten Doeschate clarified that Siraj is fit and ready to play in the Test, scheduled to start on Saturday, June 6, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Auqib Nabi will remain with the team but will serve as a net bowler.
Mohammed Siraj is fit and good to go,” ten Doeschate stated during the pre-match press conference, addressing the speculation around Siraj’s fitness.
Additionally, assistant coach ten Doeschate mentioned that first-time players Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar might make their Test debuts in this match. Decisions will depend on team combinations, particularly regarding whom to pair with Kuldeep Yadav, the main spinner.
“Regarding the two new spinners (Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey), there is a small chance that both will play. We haven’t decided who will join Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar,” ten Doeschate shared.
Notably, Dubey and Suthar earned their spots in India’s 15-man squad due to their strong performances in domestic cricket over the last few seasons. Having played together since their youth, their relationship may benefit the Indian team.
The Test match starts on Friday but will not count towards the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, as Afghanistan is not ranked among the top teams by the ICC.