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A big update came on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the Indian national cricket team’s upcoming bilateral series against the Afghan national cricket team. Jasprit Bumrah playing regularly for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing IPL 2026 has definitely led to severe mental and physical fatigue.
Bumrah’s workload management has always been the main focus for both Mumbai Indians and BCCI, and even before the start of the ongoing IPL 2026, the premier pace bowler was sent to the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for strength and conditioning.
BCCI may possibly select Jasprit Bumrah for either Test or ODI series
The massive workload has already affected his output, as Jasprit Bumrah has taken only three wickets in 12 matches at an excellent economy rate of 8.80, but has averaged 128. As India gears up for a busy international schedule, the BCCI has already made a plan to keep Bumrah safe.
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Meanwhile, a PTI report suggests 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 manage the fast bowler’s workload carefully.
The India national cricket team is 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. Dharamshala, Lucknow and Chennai will host the ODI matches between India and Afghanistan on June 14, 17 and 20.
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play Test or ODI series against Afghanistan
Ahead of the home series, reports have revealed that Bumrah is expected to play only one of the two matches against the Afghan team. The star pacer has already gone through a long IPL season and due to this the Indian management does not want to put too much stress on his body.
As a result, the national selectors can decide whether Bumrah should play the Test match or the ODI series against Afghanistan. If Bumrah plays Test, he can be rested from ODI. And if he is selected for the ODI series, he may miss the only Test.
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Although the one-off Test against Afghanistan is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-26, Bumrah’s love for Test cricket may influence his decision. If Bumrah misses the one-off Test, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna could lead India’s pace attack.
Auqib Nabi is likely to get a chance in India against Afghanistan
The Indian cricket team is already grappling with injury concerns, as Akash Deep and Harshit Rana are currently recovering from their respective injuries. The situation could open the door for Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi as a possible backup option after his impressive Ranji Trophy season, where he took 60 wickets.
However, Nabi’s selection may depend on the team combination. It is noteworthy that Bumrah last played a Test match against South Africa on home soil last year. Despite India losing the series 0-2, this fast bowler bowled brilliantly and took eight wickets in two matches.
