Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson Set for India Return in Afghanistan Series

Team India Prepares for Afghanistan Challenge Post-IPL 2026

As the curtains fall on the IPL 2026 season, the focus of the Indian cricketing fraternity will swiftly shift toward international commitments. Team India is scheduled to host Afghanistan for a multi-format series that includes a one-off Test match and a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. This assignment, while featuring a lower-ranked opponent, carries immense weight as it marks the potential return of two of India’s most talked-about players: Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to convene shortly to finalize the squads. With a heavy international calendar ahead, the BCCI is likely to implement strategic shuffles, particularly in the Test department, to ensure the longevity of their primary fast bowlers. This series provides the perfect platform to reintegrate experienced campaigners while testing the depth of the talent pool.

The Return of the Veteran: Mohammed Shami’s Red-Ball Comeback

One of the most significant headlines emerging from the selection reports is the anticipated return of Mohammed Shami to the Test squad. Shami has been away from the longest format of the game since the ICC World Test Championship Final in June 2023. His absence has been felt in various high-stakes encounters, but his road to recovery and subsequent return to peak fitness has been nothing short of exemplary.

With spearhead Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested to manage his workload after a grueling IPL season, Shami is the frontrunner to lead the Indian pace attack. Similarly, Mohammed Siraj may also be granted a break, making Shami’s presence at the helm of the bowling unit essential. His experience and ability to extract movement from the surface make him an invaluable asset for the one-off Test match.

Shami’s Resurgence Through Domestic and Franchise Cricket

Shami’s case for selection is backed by a mountain of wickets across formats in the 2025-26 domestic season. Despite concerns regarding his fitness following a long injury layoff, the Bengal pacer has silenced his critics with consistent performances:

• Ranji Trophy 2025-26: An incredible haul of 37 wickets in just 13 innings for Bengal.
• Vijay Hazare Trophy: 15 wickets in 7 innings, showcasing his rhythm in the 50-over format.
• Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 16 wickets in 7 innings during the previous edition.
• IPL 2026: Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants, Shami has already claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches, proving he can handle the rigors of back-to-back high-intensity games.

Sanju Samson: Reclaiming the ODI Spot

While the Test squad sees a veteran return, the ODI squad is expected to welcome back Sanju Samson. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batsman has often found himself on the fringes of the national setup, but 2026 has been a standout year for him. Samson’s recent exploits have made it nearly impossible for the selectors to look past him for the wicketkeeping role in the 50-over format.

Samson’s form in the IPL 2026 season has been particularly explosive. Representing the Chennai Super Kings, he has already notched up two centuries, demonstrating a level of maturity and power-hitting that India needs in the middle order. Furthermore, his contributions during Team India’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign have cemented his reputation as a big-match player.

Series Schedule and Venue Details

The series against Afghanistan will kick off with the traditional red-ball format before moving into the white-ball leg. The schedule is designed to traverse various iconic cricketing hubs in India, offering fans across the country a chance to witness the action.

One-Off Test Match

The Test match is scheduled to take place from June 6 to June 10. The venue for this clash is the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. This modern facility is expected to provide an intriguing contest between India’s seasoned batters and Afghanistan’s rising bowling talents.

Three-Match ODI Series

Following the Test match, the teams will compete in a three-match ODI series starting June 14. The venues for the ODI leg are as follows:

• 1st ODI (June 14): HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala. Known for its picturesque backdrop and pace-friendly conditions.
• 2nd ODI (June 17): Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. A venue that often tests the tactical acumen of both captains.
• 3rd ODI (June 20): MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. A spin-friendly track where Sanju Samson will feel right at home given his recent success in the city.

Strategic Implications for Team India

The inclusion of Shami and Samson is not just about individual returns; it is about building a robust squad for the future. By resting Bumrah and Siraj, the BCCI is showing a commitment to sports science and long-term planning. For Shami, this Test is a chance to prove he remains the premier red-ball specialist in the country. For Samson, the ODI series is an opportunity to move from being a ‘backup option’ to a permanent fixture in the starting XI. As Afghanistan continues to grow as a competitive force in international cricket, India cannot afford to take this series lightly, making the return of these seasoned stars a timely boost.