Daijiworld Media Network – New Chandigarh

New Chandigarh, Jun 3: India's preparations for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan have been dominated by concerns over the fitness and workload management of pace bowler Mohammed Siraj, whose participation remains uncertain.

Siraj joined the Indian squad in Chandigarh after completing a strenuous Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Gujarat Titans, where he featured in every match, including the final played on May 31. Team officials are now assessing whether the fast bowler should be rested before India's return to red-ball cricket.

Sources indicated that a final decision on Siraj's availability is likely to be taken within the next 48 hours after consultations between the team management and medical staff.

In the event of Siraj being rested, left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar is emerging as the frontrunner to make his Test debut. Jammu and Kashmir speedster Auqib Nabi is also being considered for a place in the squad as a backup option.

Nabi has impressed selectors with his performances in domestic cricket, claiming 60 wickets during a successful Ranji Trophy campaign. He is currently part of the group of net bowlers assisting the Indian team ahead of the Afghanistan Test.

The Indian squad, captained by Shubman Gill, began training in New Chandigarh on Wednesday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, where the match is scheduled to be played.

Senior players including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy participated in the training session as India stepped up preparations for the fixture.

The Afghanistan Test will be India's first appearance in the format since last year's home series against South Africa and is expected to serve as a crucial build-up to forthcoming overseas tours.

It will also mark only the second Test encounter between India and Afghanistan. The two teams last met in Bengaluru in 2018, when India registered a dominant innings victory in the historic maiden Test between the sides.