Mohammed Shami, Sanju Samson Set for India Comeback in Afghanistan Series
Shami and Samson Eye India Comeback in Afghanistan Series
Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson are set to make their long-awaited returns to Team India during the upcoming multi-format series against Afghanistan, according to recent reports. The Afghanistan tour, scheduled after the conclusion of IPL 2026, features a one-off Test match and a three-game ODI series across multiple Indian venues.
Shami Set to Lead Pace Attack in Test
Mohammed Shami is strongly in contention for a comeback in the Test squad, with senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah expected to rest ahead of the high-stakes tour. With Bumrah likely to be managed carefully, the BCCI and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee are looking to experienced options to lead the pace attack. Shami, who hasn’t featured in a Test since the World Test Championship Final in June 2023, has made a compelling case for selection.
His performances in domestic cricket and IPL 2026 have silenced doubts about his fitness. Representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Shami claimed an impressive 37 wickets in 13 innings. He followed that up with 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. For the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, he has taken 10 wickets in 12 matches, showcasing consistent pace and control.
Shami’s potential return is crucial, especially as fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj may also be rested, opening the door for a seasoned campaigner to step in and stabilize the bowling unit.
Sanju Samson Eyes ODI Recall
On the batting front, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is strongly favored to make a comeback into the ODI squad. Despite being a standout performer in the T20I format and the recent 2026 T20 World Cup, Samson has been on the outer for the 50-over side. However, his consistent form for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 has reignited his claim.
Samson smashed two centuries during the tournament and was among the top run-scorers for his franchise, proving his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. His leadership and composure behind the stumps also add value, making him a strong contender to replace Rishabh Pant or share duties if Pant is rested.
Series Schedule at a Glance
The upcoming fixtures are as follows:
- 1st Test: June 6–10, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, 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
The selectors are expected to announce the squads shortly after the IPL 2026 finale, with an eye on both immediate performance and long-term planning ahead of major global tournaments.
What This Means for Team India
The selections, if confirmed, signal a blend of experience and strategic rest for key players. Shami’s return would bring veteran know-how to a developing pace attack, while Samson’s inclusion adds depth and batting fluency to the middle order.
With Afghanistan still ranked below India in all formats, the series offers a perfect opportunity for the BCCI to test combinations, manage player workload, and integrate returning stars ahead of more challenging assignments.
Fans will be eager to see Shami’s trademark swing and Samson’s elegant strokeplay back in the India jersey—both players have fought hard to reclaim their spots, and their inclusion would be a reward for persistence and form.
Shaan Cooper is a cricket journalist and SEO content writer from Bengaluru who focuses on breaking cricket news, live match coverage, and player performance stories. Her writing style combines fast-paced reporting with detailed cricket knowledge tailored for digital sports platforms.
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