Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 21: The India national cricket team is likely to manage player workloads carefully following the conclusion of Indian Premier League 2026, with top players potentially being rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan scheduled from June 6 to 10.
With only a few days separating the IPL final on May 31 and the Test match, team management and selectors are considering resting key players such as Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah and other multi-format regulars to avoid burnout. These players are instead expected to feature in the subsequent ODI series.
Sources indicate that no final decision has been taken yet, as selectors are closely monitoring the progress of players in the IPL, particularly those representing teams like Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. The situation remains fluid and will be reviewed before the squad announcement.
The absence of World Test Championship points for the Afghanistan Test has further influenced the thinking, with stakeholders prioritising player fitness for upcoming key assignments, including Tests against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, as well as multiple ODI series.
“There is very little gap between the IPL final and the Afghanistan Test. The management will be cautious not to overburden players, especially with a busy calendar ahead,” a source said, adding that format-switching within a short span—from T20s to Tests to ODIs—could increase injury risks.
Selectors are also keeping a close watch on emerging domestic talents, with players like Gurnoor Brar and Manav Suthar impressing in the India A setup. Others such as Harsh Dubey, Auqib Nabi and Devdutt Padikkal are also in contention, particularly if senior players are rested.
The packed schedule continues with ODIs against Afghanistan, followed by T20Is against Ireland and a white-ball tour of England featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. India will then face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series starting July 23.
With a demanding international calendar ahead, the team management is expected to strike a balance between performance and player fitness, ensuring key players remain fresh for priority tournaments and series.