India vs Afghanistan squad announcement: KL Rahul replaces Pant as Test vice-captain; Jadeja, Bumrah, Axar rested

KL Rahul has been re-appointed vice-captain of India’s men’s Test squad, while spin duo of Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey along with lanky pacer Gurnoor Brar have earned their maiden Test call-ups for the one-off Test against Afghanistan national cricket team, scheduled to be played in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10.

Prince Yadav, one of the standout performers of the ongoing Indian Premier League season, has received his maiden ODI call-up for the three-match series against the same opposition beginning on June 14.

The senior national selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, met in Guwahati — the hometown of BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia — on Tuesday afternoon to pick both squads.

“There are a couple of guys who are injured who were part of the One-day squad before. With Gurnoor, we have seen a lot of promise over the last season and a half now. Tall guy with a bit of pace,” Agarkar said.

“Keeping the South African World Cup in mind, we are obviously going to try a few guys who at that point might be useful if they keep developing. Prince Yadav has shown a lot of promise through the domestic season. I think he had a really good Vijay Hazare (Trophy). Obviously, bowled well in the IPL. But we have seen that he has grown a lot as a bowler over the last year or so and has the necessary skills to succeed with the white ball.

“It is a great opportunity with these three one-days coming up. Because with the way the rules are structured and so much in favor of the batsmen, you are obviously looking at guys with regards to conditions in South Africa who have a chance of succeeding. And there might be a few more we try over the course of the next few series. These two are the ones that we have zeroed in at this point.”

The Test squad does not feature Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, with both players having been rested, as clarified by Agarkar during a virtual media interaction.

Rahul replaces Rishabh Pant as the Test vice-captain. Pant has also lost his place in the ODI squad to Ishan Kishan, although Agarkar stressed that there was “no doubt” over Pant’s credentials as a match-winner in Test cricket.

Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel during the Test series against South Africa in 2025. | Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR

“KL has been Test captain before. Obviously, Rishabh was vice-captain and we want him to be the best batter that he can be and that he has always been in Test cricket. So, No, there is no other reason. That’s the best option we think at this point that we have as far as vice-captain with experience.” Agarkar said.

Apart from Jadeja, Axar Patel is another notable absentee from the squads. Agarkar, however, said Jadeja remains the No. 1 spinner for tests. “Jadeja has just been rested for this Test. He is aware of it. That’s why he is not in the team. He still remains a very integral part of the Test team. We know what Jadeja or Axar can do. This is the time we try and give some opportunity to some of the other guys. With regards to Tests, he still remains our number one spinner,” Agarkar said.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both dealing with fitness concerns during the ongoing IPL, have been included in the ODI squad for the series starting June 13, subject to fitness clearance.

The schedule

• Test: June 6 to 10 (New Chandigarh).

• ODIs: June 14 (Dharamsala), June 17 (Lucknow), June 20 (Chennai).

Published on May 19, 2026