Published on: Jun 3, 2026 2:53 pm IST|Updated on: Jun 3, 2026 2:53 pm IST
Just three days before Team India hosts Afghanistan in the lone Test match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, the Indian team management has taken a massive call on their pace spearhead for this game, Mohammed Siraj. The 32-year-old is highly doubtful to feature in this game as the management wants to manage his workload, particularly after a grueling IPL 2026 season.
Mohammed Siraj featured for the IPL 2026 runners-up, the Gujarat Titans, and played every game for the franchise this season. If the medical team and selectors officially decide to bench Siraj, domestic cricket sensation Auqib Nabi Dar has emerged as the frontrunner to be added to the main squad.
The heavy workload took a noticeable toll during GT’s Qualifier 2 match against Rajasthan Royals, where Siraj suffered a hamstring pull on the field. While he managed to receive treatment mid-game and bravely returned to finish his four-over quota, the quick transition from T20 cricket to the grueling demands of red-ball Test matches have raised alarm bells. A senior team source tracking the developments noted:
“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.”
Towering local pacer Gurnoor Brar looks set to make his dream international debut. Brar was picked ahead of the promising Auqib Nabi Dar, mainly because Gurnoor offers more pace than Dar. The final decision, which is expected to be announced within the next 48 hours, has left captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir in a tight spot as the call will be made on the morning of the Test match. With Bumrah already rested and Siraj also in line to get a similar treatment, the Indian fast bowling unit for this Test match will be severely inexperienced.
• Frontline Option (Under Review): Mohammed Siraj (GT) • Likely Debutant: Gurnoor Brar (6’5″ Punjab Speedster) • Squad Reinforcement: Auqib Nabi Dar (J&K Ranji Champion) • Possible Pace Bowling Leader: Prasidh Krishna
If Mohammed Siraj officially pulls out, Jammu & Kashmir pacer and the reigning Ranji Trophy winner Auqib Nabi Dar could be drafted into the squad as Siraj’s replacement. The 29-year-old medium-pacer was recently a controversial omission from the main 15-member squad despite a historic domestic run.
Auqib played an instrumental role with both bat and ball in Jammu & Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season. He finished with a staggering 60 scalps, adding to his tally from the last season, where he picked up 44 wickets. 104 wickets across two seasons in 18 matches is nothing short of majestic at an astounding average of 13.14.
Currently, Auqib is already present in the Indian camp in Mullanpur as part of a seven-member net bowling contingent, brought in alongside players like Prince Yadav and Gurjapneet Singh. Moving from a net bowler to an official squad member would be a fitting reward for the domestic workhorse.
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey