Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson Set for India Return Against Afghanistan
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The Return of the Veterans: Shami and Samson Back in the Fold
The Indian cricket landscape is preparing for a significant transition as the national team shifts from the T20 frenzy of the IPL 2026 into a crucial multi-format home series against Afghanistan. In what comes as a major boost for the Men in Blue, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson are poised to make their highly anticipated returns to the international arena.
The upcoming series, which features a one-off Test match followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, serves as a vital platform for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to test their squad depth. With senior players expected to be rested after a grueling IPL season, the return of experienced campaigners like Shami provides both stability and leadership to the bowling unit.
Mohammed Shami: Leading the Red-Ball Attack
Perhaps the most significant talking point is the return of Mohammed Shami to the Test squad. Shami has been away from the longest format of the game since the ICC World Test Championship Final in June 2023. His absence was felt deeply, but the pacer has spent the last year meticulously working on his fitness and rhythm. Recent reports indicate that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is satisfied with his progress, particularly following his clinical performances in domestic cricket and the IPL.
Shami’s road to recovery has been paved with impressive numbers. In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, the Bengal speedster was nothing short of lethal, bagging 37 wickets in just 13 innings. He followed this up with a strong showing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 15 wickets in 7 innings, and another 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His durability was further tested in IPL 2026, where he has spearheaded the attack for the Lucknow Super Giants, claiming 10 wickets in 12 matches so far. This consistent output has effectively silenced concerns regarding his match fitness.
Managing the Workload of Bumrah and Siraj
The decision to recall Shami is also a strategic one. As India looks ahead to a packed international calendar, the BCCI is keen on managing the workloads of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Both premier pacers are expected to be rested for the one-off Test against Afghanistan to prevent burnout. In their absence, Shami’s role becomes even more critical; he will be expected to lead a relatively younger pace battery and provide the early breakthroughs that have become his trademark.
Sanju Samson: Capitalizing on White-Ball Dominance
While Shami bolsters the bowling, the inclusion of Sanju Samson in the ODI squad adds significant firepower to the middle order. Samson has been in the form of his life during the IPL 2026 season, representing the Chennai Super Kings. With two centuries already to his name this season, Samson has proven that he possesses the temperament and the skill to dominate any bowling attack.
His potential return to the ODI setup follows a stellar performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he was one of the standout performers for India. The selection committee appears ready to move beyond experimental options behind the stumps, favoring Samson’s experience and ability to shift gears in the middle overs. As India looks to stabilize their ODI core, Samson is strongly favored to secure the primary wicketkeeping spot for this series.
India vs. Afghanistan: Series Schedule and Venues
The series against Afghanistan will provide a stern test for the returning stars. The tour begins with the one-off Test match, followed by three ODIs held across diverse conditions in India.
Test Match Schedule
- June 6 – 10: One-off Test at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.
ODI Series Schedule
- June 14: 1st ODI at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.
- June 17: 2nd ODI at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
- June 20: 3rd ODI at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
The venues selected offer a variety of challenges, from the seam-friendly conditions in Dharamsala to the spin-heavy tracks of Chennai. For Sanju Samson, the final ODI in Chennai will be a homecoming of sorts, given his recent exploits for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
Strategic Implications for Team India
The series against Afghanistan is more than just a bilateral contest; it is a tactical exercise for the BCCI. By integrating Shami and Samson back into the national side, the selectors are ensuring that the team has a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran wisdom. The performance of these two players will likely influence selection decisions for the remainder of the 2026 season, particularly with more high-stakes series on the horizon.
As the Ajit Agarkar-led committee prepares to finalize the squads, the focus remains on building a robust second string of players who can perform under pressure. With Shami’s fitness confirmed and Samson’s bat doing the talking, India looks well-equipped to maintain their dominance at home.
