BCCI announces 15-member squad for one-off Test against Afghanistan, KL Rahul named new Vice-Captain
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 6 in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
Shubman Gill will continue as India’s Test captain. However, there has been a key leadership change, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.
The announcement was made by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia in the presence of chief selector Ajit Agarkar at a press conference in Guwahati.
Squad features new faces
The squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Uncapped players Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey have also been included.
India’s squad features Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy among the batting and all-round options.
Bumrah, Jadeja among notable absentees
Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for both the one-off Test and the ODI series against Afghanistan. Ravindra Jadeja also misses out from the Test squad.
The selections come amid a packed cricket calendar, with the IPL final scheduled for May 31 in Ahmedabad, leaving a short turnaround before the Test series begins.
India eye red-ball stability and spin solutions
The one-off Test is being seen as important for India’s red-ball rebuilding phase, particularly after recent struggles in home conditions against spin.
The team has also been trying to settle the No. 3 batting position since the departure of Cheteshwar Pujara, with Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal among those in contention for a long-term role.
India’s squad for one-off Test vs Afghanistan
Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel.
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