New Delhi: India’s international calendar is set to get even busier immediately after the IPL 2026 wraps up on May 31, with the national set-up expected to keep a close eye on player workload before locking in squads for the next assignments. The tight turnaround is at the heart of the conversation: the IPL final will be followed by a one-off Test against Afghanistan scheduled for June 6-10, leaving only a handful of days between the red-ball build-up and the next format shift. With that in mind, there is an ongoing discussion within the management about whether some of the leading performers could be rested for the Afghanistan Test and instead be kept for the ODI series that follows.
Workload concerns shape the Afghanistan Test plan
Decision-making is still in progress, with the final call expected to be taken by the relevant management group. Selectors are reportedly expected to assess how far the usual Test regulars progress during the IPL before arriving at a conclusion. The deliberations are also described as fluid, largely because the Afghanistan Test does not carry World Test Championship points, and there is a realistic possibility that key names—such as captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and other standard figures in both India’s ODI and Test squads—may not feature.
- The IPL 2026 ends on May 31, with the Afghanistan Test starting on June 6 (June 6-10), creating a very short gap.
- No World Test Championship points are at stake in the Afghanistan match, reducing the urgency to field the strongest available XI.
- There is a strong chance that top players, including Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah, could be rested if the workload argument holds.
- The final squad call is expected when the selectors finalise the team for the Test and the subsequent three ODI matches.
A source closely following developments pointed to the broader context of the next few weeks. The reasoning is that the Afghanistan Test sits too close to the IPL final to justify burning out players, particularly when a sequence of limited-overs cricket is coming afterwards and some teams’ members could be travelling for extended stretches.
Why selectors may choose ODI priority and keep stars fresh
In the same line, the discussion highlights that India’s itinerary includes not only the immediate ODI assignments after Afghanistan, but also additional white-ball action in England. The view being assessed is that the priority should be to ensure the best players are fit, fresh, and available for the upcoming set of four Tests—two against Sri Lanka and two against New Zealand—as well as for a heavy run of ODI fixtures. The source also stressed that the remainder of the year will still contain plenty of cricket, meaning the management must protect players from unnecessary workload spikes.
- After Afghanistan, India is set for three ODIs, followed by a white-ball tour of England.
- England includes a series of three T20Is and three ODIs.
- India’s longer red-ball focus includes four Tests: two versus Sri Lanka and two versus New Zealand.
- The argument being weighed is that there is “no point” risking a leading fast bowler like Bumrah for a five-day fixture that offers no WTC points.
The scheduling pressure is further underlined by the fact that there is little time for recovery between the Afghanistan Test and the ODI series. That means a Test-and-ODI regular could be required to switch formats quickly—moving from T20 cricket to Test cricket and then into ODIs within under a month. The source noted that the captain and the coaching staff have previously been outspoken about the strain caused by such scheduling, and could potentially have a decisive influence on the final thinking.
Domestic form monitored: possible maiden call-ups
Beyond workload considerations for established Test performers, the selectors have also been keeping tabs on fast-bowling and spin options in the domestic circuit. If the management decides to create space in the squad, maiden selections could be on the table for the Afghanistan fixture in Mullanpur, beginning June 6. Among the names being discussed are Gurnoor Brar and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, both of whom have reportedly impressed the people involved in the selection process.
- Gurnoor Brar has made a strong impression in the domestic circuit.
- Manav Suthar, a left-arm spinner, has also been highlighted for his performances.
- Both players have been part of the India A set-up.
- Harsh Dubey, Auqib Nabi and Devdutt Padikkal are also in the wider mix if workload management opens up slots.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy’s improvement in his bowling is keeping him in the conversation.
The selection panel’s approach is described as cautious rather than impulsive, with the expectation that discussions between the “thinktank” and the medical team will guide the ultimate team composition. The core idea remains that resource usage must be optimal, particularly since the Afghanistan Test does not carry WTC points and the turnaround to subsequent ODI cricket is limited.
India’s June schedule: Tests, ODIs, and more white-ball cricket
India’s June calendar is already packed. The month begins with Tests and ODIs against Afghanistan, followed by T20 Internationals versus Ireland. After that, the team heads to England for a white-ball tour that includes three T20Is and three ODIs. Immediately after the England stint, India is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting July 23.
- Tests and ODIs vs Afghanistan
- T20Is vs Ireland
- England tour featuring three T20Is and three ODIs
- Three-match T20I series vs Zimbabwe from July 23
