Senior Stars Rested as India Names Fresh Faces and New Captain for Afghanistan Series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a refreshed 15-member squad for the upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan in June, opting to rest key seniors. Spearhead quick Jasprit Bumrah and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja have both been rested for both the one-off Test match and the three-match ODI series to manage their workloads. In their absence, young batter Shubman Gill has been appointed to lead the national side across both formats. Furthermore, the selectors implemented a notable leadership adjustment in the red-ball format, replacing Rishabh Pant with KL Rahul as the vice-captain of the Test squad.
The squad announcements are highlighted by several maiden call-ups for standout domestic and IPL performers as India looks to build bench strength for the future. Pacer Gurnoor Brar, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, and all-rounder Harsh Dubey earned their maiden call-ups to the Test side, which will play in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10. For the subsequent ODI leg starting June 14 in Dharamshala, Lucknow Super Giants’ breakout fast bowler Prince Yadav has received his maiden India call-up alongside Brar and Dubey. While veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to anchor the ODI batting unit, their selections—alongside returning all-rounder Hardik Pandya—remain subject to final fitness clearances.
