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India vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah may get rest, workload management becomes the main reason

Samira Vishwas | April 22, 2026 3:24 AM CST

News India Live, Digital Desk: Indian cricket team’s busy schedule and players’ Workload Management Keeping this in mind, the selectors are considering the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan Shubhman Gill And Jasprit Bumrah Like they are considering giving rest to senior players.

According to recent reports (21 April 2026), the selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar may take this step to reduce player burnout after IPL 2026.

Key reasons and strategic decisions

Absence of WTC Points: This is the only test match to be held between India and Afghanistan World Test Championship (WTC) Not part of the cycle. Because of this, Team India has scope to try new players and give break to senior players.

IPL 2026 workload: Currently, in the ongoing IPL, Gill (Gujarat Titans) and Bumrah (Mumbai Indians) are playing continuously for their teams. If their teams reach the playoffs, the chances of fatigue increasing are high.

Upcoming Events: Immediately after the Test against Afghanistan, there will be a 3-match ODI series and then other important bilateral series, for which it is mandatory for the key players to remain fit.

Afghanistan tour of India 2026: Schedule

match	date	place
sole test	June 6 – 10, 2026	Maharaja Yadvendra Singh Stadium, New Chandigarh
1st ODI	June 14, 2026	Hospice
2nd ODI	June 17, 2026	Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
3rd ODI	June 20, 2026	MA. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Which players can get a chance?

In the absence of Gill and Bumrah, the selectors can include players who have performed well in the domestic circuit. according to the report:

Sai Sudarshan Like young players can get test cap.

in bowling Mohammad Siraj may also be rested depending on their IPL workload, opening the way for new fast bowlers