Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson Tipped for India vs Afghanistan Series Comeback
The Road to Redemption: Shami and Samson Eyeing National Recall
With the intensity of the IPL 2026 season drawing to a close, the focus of the Indian cricket faithful shifts toward the upcoming multi-format tour against Afghanistan. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faces crucial decisions as they prepare to name the squads for both the one-off Test match and the subsequent three-match ODI series. Among the notable talking points, the potential returns of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson have generated significant buzz.
A Strategic Shuffle in the Test Squad
The upcoming one-off Test, scheduled to be held from June 6 to June 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, is expected to feature a fresh look for the Indian side. Reports suggest that the BCCI is contemplating a rotation policy to manage the workload of key personnel. With premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, and Mohammed Siraj also potentially taking a hiatus, the leadership of the pace attack remains a primary concern for the selectors.
This vacancy has paved the way for the potential return of Mohammed Shami. Shami has been away from the rigors of Test cricket since the WTC Final in June 2023, but his recent form suggests he is more than ready to reclaim his spot. His journey back to full fitness has been nothing short of exemplary. Throughout the 2025-26 domestic season, Shami displayed remarkable consistency, claiming 37 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, 15 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and 16 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Furthermore, his performance in the ongoing IPL 2026 for the Lucknow Super Giants has silenced any lingering doubts regarding his physical resilience. With 10 wickets from 12 matches, Shami has demonstrated that he retains the speed, accuracy, and tactical awareness that made him a mainstay of the Indian bowling unit for years.
Sanju Samson’s ODI Resurgence
While the Test side looks to reinforce its bowling depth, the ODI squad is set to undergo a rejuvenation in the wicketkeeping department. Sanju Samson, who has enjoyed a prolific season with the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, is currently the frontrunner to secure a place in the ODI setup.
Samson’s inclusion is not merely a product of his recent centuries in the IPL; it is a testament to his evolution as a reliable middle-order asset. Having delivered standout performances for Team India during the 2026 T20 World Cup, Samson has proven that he can handle the pressure of international cricket. The selectors, aiming to maintain a stable core for the limited-overs format, see Samson as the ideal candidate to balance the team’s batting depth and glovework.
A Busy Schedule Ahead
The Afghanistan tour promises to be an engaging spectacle for cricket fans. Following the Test match in New Chandigarh, the action shifts to the white-ball arena with the three-match ODI series. The schedule is as follows:
- 1st ODI: June 14, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- 2nd ODI: June 17, Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- 3rd ODI: June 20, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
As the BCCI evaluates the team’s needs, the potential addition of two battle-hardened players like Shami and Samson could provide the necessary balance to overcome a determined Afghanistan side. While the official squad announcement is pending, the current trajectory of these two players suggests that they are peaking at the right time. Cricket enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if this blend of experience and current form can translate into a successful series for the Men in Blue.
