According to a report, Gurnoor Brar could be set for an unexpected India debut in the one-off Test against Afghanistan as the team management continues to monitor Mohammed Siraj's fitness and workload ahead of the match in New Chandigarh.
Mohammed Siraj has already joined the India squad in Chandigarh, but a final decision on his availability is yet to be taken. The pacer is coming off a demanding IPL 2026 campaign with Gujarat Titans and discussions have taken place regarding whether he should be rested for the Test. With the match just around the corner, the Indian think tank is expected to take a call on the matter in the next couple of days.
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India's preparations for the Afghanistan Test have been overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding Mohammed Siraj's availability. The pacer featured in every match for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026 and was also part of the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
According to a report by Times of India, the medical staff is keeping a close eye on the fast bowler Mohammed Siraj before taking a final decision.
"TimesofIndia.com has learnt that medical staff continues to monitor Siraj, who has already reached Chandigarh, but his participation hinges on an assessment over the next two days," the report read.
The possibility of resting Siraj was discussed due to the workload he accumulated during the IPL. However, selectors and team management were not keen on heading into the Afghanistan Test with a completely inexperienced pace attack.As a result, the final decision on Siraj's participation is expected to have a direct impact on India's bowling combination.
Gurnoor Brar leapfrogs Auqib Nabi for India debut
If Mohammed Siraj is eventually rested, left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar is likely to be the biggest beneficiary. Despite Auqib Nabi being around the squad as a net bowler and enjoying an outstanding domestic season, indications are that Gurnoor is ahead in the pecking order for a place in the playing XI.
The report stated that Nabi could be drafted into the squad if Siraj is rested, but Gurnoor remains the frontrunner to receive his maiden India cap.
"Siraj has had a long season and If he is rested, there is a bright possibility Gurnoor will play and Nabi will come into the squad," a source tracking developments told TimesofIndia.com.
Nabi has done everything possible to push his case. The Jammu & Kashmir pacer enjoyed a sensational Ranji Trophy campaign, picking up 60 wickets and playing a major role in guiding his side to the title.
Notably, he is currently one of six net bowlers assisting the Indian team ahead of the Test alongside Gurjapneet Singh, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar.
How was Mohammed Siraj's performance in IPL 2026?
Mohammed Siraj was one of Gujarat Titans' most-used bowlers in IPL 2026 and played all 17 matches for the franchise, including the final. He finished the tournament with 19 wickets at an average of 29.57 and an economy rate of 9.06.
The right-arm pacer delivered several impactful spells during the season. His best figures came against Chennai Super Kings when he picked up 3/26 in Ahmedabad. Mohammed Siraj also claimed two wickets against Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders while consistently sharing the new-ball responsibilities for the Titans.
While Mohammed Siraj's economy rate remained on the higher side in a few matches, Gujarat Titans continued to back him throughout the campaign because of his ability to strike at crucial moments. Having bowled 372 deliveries across a long IPL season and featured right till the final, workload management has naturally become a key consideration ahead of India's upcoming assignment.
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