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A major update came on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the India national cricket team’s upcoming bilateral series against the Afghan national cricket team. Jasprit Bumrah has been regularly playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing IPL 2026, which has certainly led to severe mental and physical fatigue.
Bumrah’s workload management has always been the main focus for both the Mumbai Indians and the BCCI, and even before the start of the ongoing IPL 2026, the premier pacer was sent to the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for strength and conditioning.
BCCI likely to choose between Test and ODI series for Jasprit Bumrah
The massive workload has already impacted his output, as Jasprit Bumrah has scalped only three wickets in 12 matches at an excellent economy rate of 8.80, but the average jumped to 128. Since India is set for a hectic international schedule, the BCCI has already made a plan to keep Bumrah safe.
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Meanwhile, a PTI report suggested that Jasprit Bumrah may not play in both the Test and ODI series against the Afghanistan national cricket team after the conclusion of the ongoing IPL 2026, as the Indian team management wants to carefully manage the fast bowler’s workload.
The India national cricket team is all set to play a one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10, followed by a three-match ODI series later in the month. Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai will host the ODI matches between India and Afghanistan on June 14, 17, and 20.
Jasprit Bumrah likely to play either Test or ODI series against Afghanistan
Ahead of the home series, the report revealed that Bumrah is expected to play only one of the two assignments against the Afghan side. The star pacer has already gone through the long IPL season, and because of this, the Indian management does not want to put too much pressure on his body.
As a result, the national selectors are likely to decide whether Bumrah should play the Test match or the ODI series against Afghanistan. If Bumrah plays the Test, he may be rested for the ODIs. And if he is picked for the ODI series, then he could miss the one-off Test.
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However, the one-off Test against Afghanistan is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-26, but Bumrah’s love for Test cricket could influence his decision. If Bumrah misses the one-off Test, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are likely to lead India’s pace attack.
Auqib Nabi likely to get India chance against Afghanistan
The Indian cricket team is already dealing with injury concerns, as Akash Deep and Harshit Rana are currently recovering from their respective injuries. This situation can open the door for the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi as a possible backup option after his impressive Ranji Trophy season, where he picked up 60 wickets.
However, Nabi’s selection may depend on the team combination. Notably, Bumrah last played a Test match against South Africa at home last year. Despite India losing the series 0-2, the fast bowler bowled brilliantly and picked up eight wickets in two matches.
