Mohammed Siraj doubtful for one-off Afghanistan Test, Aquib Nabi frontrunner to replace

India pacer Mohammed Siraj is facing a race against time ahead of the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Following a gruelling IPL 2026 campaign with Gujarat Titans (GT), the Indian team management is reportedly considering resting the fast bowler to spread out his workload efficiently.

Siraj endured a demanding IPL season, featuring in all the 17 matches for his franchise, including the final

on May 31. The Ahmedabad-based franchise, led by India captain Shubman Gill, finished runners-up after suffering a five-wicket defeat in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

According to reports, the Indian team is expected to take a final call on Siraj's availability within the next 48 hours. The medical staff continues to monitor the right-arm pacer, who has already joined the squad in Chandigarh. However, his participation will depend on the outcome of the assessment conducted over the coming days.

While discussions regarding Siraj's workload have taken place, selectors are also mindful of not fielding an inexperienced pace attack for the red-ball fixture. Should the management decide to rest the 32-year-old, Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is expected to be drafted into the squad. In such a scenario, Gurnoor Brar could be handed his India 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 was quoted as saying by TOI.

Nabi has been in impressive form on the domestic circuit, claiming 60 wickets during the Ranji Trophy season and playing a pivotal role in guiding Jammu & Kashmir to the title. The right-arm pacer is currently with the Indian team as one of six net bowlers assisting the squad in preparation for the Afghanistan Test.

Alongside Nabi, pacers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav, as well as spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar, have also been involved in the team's training sessions. The Afghanistan Test will be played in New Chandigarh before India shifts focus to a three-match ODI series. The ODI leg is scheduled to be held across Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai.