Table of Contents
India are unlikely to make major experimental changes to their Test squad for the one-off match against Afghanistan in June, but one batting switch could still be on the cards.
According to a PTI report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to stick largely with tried and tested names in the red-ball squad, but Devdutt Padikkal could be considered at No. 3 ahead of Sai Sudharsan. The Test will be played from June 6 to 10 at New Chandigarh and will not be part of the World Test Championship cycle.
Still, India are expected to treat it seriously with future away assignments against Sri Lanka and New Zealand in mind. That makes Padikkal's possible return interesting, because it would be a targeted change rather than a full-scale experiment.
Devdutt Padikkal ahead of Sai Sudharsan in no. 3 race
As per the PTI report, Padikkal, who was also part of the squad that lost heavily to South Africa last year, could replace Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 in the batting line-up. The selectors are not looking at a red-ball overhaul, but they may prefer a player already familiar with India’s Test setup.
Sai Sudharsan has talent and has impressed in white-ball cricket, but the current thinking appears to favour Padikkal's red-ball profile for the No. 3 role. That position is not only about scoring runs; it is about surviving movement, absorbing pressure and setting up the innings. Padikkal’s height, reach and ability to bat long make him a logical option.
There are other contenders too. Washington Sundar has batted at No. 3 for Tamil Nadu and could be looked at if India want an all-rounder in that slot. Dhruv Jurel could also be considered as a specialist batter because of his growing red-ball reputation. But for now, Padikkal seems to be the most natural top-order option.
Jasprit Bumrah workload could shape India's Test XI
The PTI report adds that Jasprit Bumrah's availability remains a central selection question. He is unlikely to skip the entire two-week Afghanistan series, but he may play only one format. If he plays the one-off Test, he is expected to miss the three ODIs. If he plays the ODI series, he could be rested from the Test.
That call will directly affect India's pace attack. If Bumrah plays the Test, India may not pick more than three frontline fast bowlers because the match is in India, where spinners are expected to have a major role. If Bumrah does not play, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are likely to lead the new-ball attack.
With Akash Deep and Harshit Rana injured, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi could come into the reserve pace conversation after taking 60 wickets in the last Ranji Trophy season. His main competition could be Nitish Kumar Reddy, who offers pace-bowling all-round value.
No big shake-up expected in India Test squad
According to PTI, the selectors are expected to avoid major experimentation in the Test squad. The tried and tested names from the past year are likely to dominate selection as India look ahead to away series in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, where contrasting conditions could test squad balance.
In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar are likely automatic picks. Axar Patel’s place could come under some pressure in the longest format, although experience may still work in his favour. Harsh Dubey has been picked for the Sri Lanka A tri-series but is not expected to be considered for the Test squad yet. Manav Suthar could challenge Axar if selectors want a fresher left-arm spin option.
The wicketkeeping slots are straightforward, with Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel expected to be automatic choices.
So the main takeaway from the PTI report is clear: India are not planning a Test squad shake-up, but Devd Padikkal could move ahead of Sai Sudharsan for the No. 3 role. It would be a conservative change, not a wild experiment, and that appears to be the mood of the selectors before the Afghanistan Test.
