Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson Set for India Comeback vs Afghanistan

The Return of the Veterans: India vs Afghanistan Series Overview

As the curtains fall on the IPL 2026 season, the focus of the cricketing world shifts back to international duties. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to host Afghanistan for a crucial multi-format series, featuring a one-off Test match followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. This series serves as a vital platform for testing squad depth and managing the workload of premier players ahead of a grueling international calendar.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to announce the squads shortly, with several key changes anticipated. Most notably, the return of Mohammed Shami to the Test setup and Sanju Samson to the ODI squad has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike. These inclusions reflect the selectors’ intent to balance experience with current form as they look to maintain India’s dominance across formats.

Mohammed Shami: Bolstering the Pace Attack

Mohammed Shami’s absence from the Test arena has been a point of discussion since the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2023. After a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process, the veteran seamer has successfully proved his match fitness. Shami has been a standout performer in the domestic circuit and the ongoing IPL 2026, where he has been leading the attack for the Lucknow Super Giants. In the IPL, he has already claimed 10 wickets in 12 matches, showcasing his trademark rhythm and ability to find movement off the surface.

Shami’s return is particularly timely as the BCCI looks to manage the workload of Jasprit Bumrah. With Bumrah likely to be rested for the one-off Test to ensure he remains fresh for higher-stakes assignments, Shami provides the necessary experience to lead the bowling unit. Mohammed Siraj, another cornerstone of the Indian pace battery, may also be granted a break, making Shami’s role even more pivotal in guiding the younger bowlers in the squad.

Shami’s Domestic Dominance and Fitness Journey

The road back to the national team for Shami was paved with consistent performances in domestic cricket. His statistics over the 2025-26 season are a testament to his endurance and skill:

• Ranji Trophy 2025-26: 37 wickets in 13 innings for Bengal.
• Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: 15 wickets in 7 innings.
• Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 16 wickets in 7 innings.

These numbers indicate that Shami has not only recovered from his injuries but has also maintained the high standards expected of an elite international fast bowler. His ability to bowl long spells in the Ranji Trophy suggests he is ready for the rigors of Test cricket once again.

Sanju Samson: Reclaiming the Wicketkeeper-Batsman Slot

In the limited-overs format, Sanju Samson is heavily favored to reclaim his spot in the ODI squad. Samson’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Representing the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, he has already notched up two centuries, proving his mettle as a top-order aggressor who can also finish games. Furthermore, his contributions during Team India’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign have reinforced his status as a reliable match-winner.

The ODI squad is expected to remain relatively stable, mirroring recent lineups, but the wicketkeeping department is where a change is most likely. Samson’s inclusion provides India with a dynamic option behind the stumps who can adapt to various batting positions. His ability to play spin well and his improved consistency make him an ideal candidate for the series against Afghanistan.

Series Schedule and Venue Details

The tour will kick off with the one-off Test match, a historic occasion for the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. This will be followed by the ODI series, which will travel through Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai.

• One-off Test: June 6 – June 10, New Chandigarh.
• 1st ODI: June 14, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.
• 2nd ODI: June 17, Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
• 3rd ODI: June 20, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Strategic Implications for Team India

Facing Afghanistan offers the Indian team management a unique opportunity to rotate their squad. While Afghanistan is a competitive side, especially in white-ball cricket, the gap in Test experience allows India to experiment with their lineup. Resting senior players like Bumrah and Siraj is a strategic move to prevent burnout, while the return of Shami ensures the pace attack remains potent. For Sanju Samson, the ODI series is a chance to cement his place in the 50-over format and build momentum toward future ICC events.

As the selectors finalize the names, the focus remains on ensuring a seamless transition from the T20-heavy IPL schedule to the traditional demands of Test and ODI cricket. The return of seasoned campaigners like Shami and the inclusion of in-form players like Samson suggest that India is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.