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This one-off test between India and Afghanistan, to be held from June 6, may seem buried amidst the glamor of big tournaments, but its consequences can be far-reaching. Resting Bumrah, handing over responsibility to Siraj and trying emerging names like Aaqib Nabi, these decisions can decide the direction of the Indian Test team.
Aaqib Nabi’s test debut confirmed, may get Team India’s cap in June
New Delhi. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the semi-finals and finals of the T20 World Cup 2026, and the glamor of the IPL 2026 starting immediately thereafter, there is one match which may not be in the headlines, but has no less importance. The one-off Test will be played between India and Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, Punjab, beginning on June 6. At first glance, it appears to be just a formal match. But for an emerging team like Afghanistan, this is an opportunity to prove itself on the big stage. At the same time, for India, this can be a very important stage from the point of view of testing bench strength, trying new faces and workload management.
This one-off test between India and Afghanistan may seem buried amidst the glamor of big tournaments, but its consequences could be far-reaching. Resting Bumrah, handing over responsibility to Siraj and trying emerging names like Aaqib Nabi, these decisions can decide the direction of the Indian Test team. Sometimes seemingly small matches lay the foundation for big stories in the future. A similar chapter can be written in New Chandigarh.
Right time to rest Bumrah
After four months of busy cricket, it would be a wise move to give rest to Jasprit Bumrah. He was not rested against West Indies in 2025, but this time the circumstances are different. India does not need to use its full strength against Afghanistan. Mohammad Siraj can lead the fast attack. Another fast bowler can be given a chance along with him. There is no dearth of options, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana who is recovering from injury are on the radar. Famous was not a part of the team in the last Test series against South Africa, while Akash Deep was selected but did not get the opportunity to play.
Is it Aaqib Nabi’s turn now?
Apart from these three names, there is also a fourth option, who is constantly knocking on the door, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aaqib Nabi. Nabi, the winner of Ranji Trophy 2025-26 and Player of the Tournament, took 60 wickets in 10 matches, which included five wickets against Karnataka in the final. Not only this, in the 2024-25 season also he took 44 wickets in 8 matches. Despite this, the selectors did not give him a chance in Duleep Trophy or India A team. This only test in New Chandigarh can be an ideal platform for him. Some critics believed that his speed was not enough for the international level. But in Hubli, he broke this perception by dismissing batsmen like KL Rahul and Karun Nair. He made the ball talk even on a flat pitch.
Further preparations: New Zealand tour in sight
India’s tour of New Zealand is proposed in October-November. The importance of fast bowling increases further in foreign conditions. During the England tour, we saw that Akash Deep and Bumrah struggled with injuries, while Anshul Kamboj was also not completely fit. Even though there is no five-match Test series in New Zealand, depth of options is necessary. In such a situation, it can prove to be a test laboratory against Afghanistan.