Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson Set for India Return Against Afghanistan
Team India is poised to welcome back two key players—veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson—for the upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan. The series, which includes a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series, is scheduled to take place after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season.
Series Schedule and Venues
The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan is set to be held from June 6 to 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Following the Test, the three-match ODI series will commence on June 14. The first ODI will take place at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, the second on June 17 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, and the third on June 20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Mohammed Shami’s Anticipated Test Return
According to a report by RevSportz, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering bringing in Mohammed Shami for the Test match. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, the selectors are expected to name a replacement who can lead the pace attack. Another regular, Mohammed Siraj, may also request rest, opening the door for Shami’s return.
“Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami could make a highly anticipated return. Absent from Test cricket since the June 2023 WTC Final, Shami has emphatically proven his fitness through stellar performances for Bengal and the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026,” RevSportz mentioned in their report.
Shami has been in impressive form across domestic and franchise cricket. In the IPL 2026 season, he has taken 10 wickets from 12 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants. His domestic performances have been equally commanding: in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, the Bengal pacer bagged 37 wickets in 13 innings, followed by 15 wickets in 7 innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, and 16 wickets in 7 innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Sanju Samson’s ODI Comeback
On the other hand, Sanju Samson is poised to make a return to the ODI squad for the series against Afghanistan. Samson has been in scintillating form for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, smashing a couple of centuries. He was also one of the top performers for Team India in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“While a relatively stable ODI squad is anticipated – mirroring India’s recent limited-overs setups – a change is expected behind the stumps. Sanju Samson is strongly favoured to secure a spot in the ODI squad,” mentioned the report.
Selection Committee Decisions
Ahead of the series, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will name the squads for both the Test and ODI series. As previously reported, the BCCI could consider some shuffles, especially in the Test team, given Afghanistan’s lower ranking. The inclusion of Shami and Samson would bring valuable experience and depth to the squad.
With Shami’s proven fitness and Samson’s consistent performances, both players look set to don the India blue once again, adding excitement for fans ahead of the series.
