Afghanistan have unveiled their squads for the upcoming one-off Test and three-match ODI series against India, with several experienced campaigners returning to the setup. The Test squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, includes the comeback of seasoned batter Rahmat Shah and star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai for the red-ball contest scheduled to be played in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10.
The selectors have also shown faith in young top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, who continues to be seen as one of Afghanistan’s promising batting talents across formats.
Rahmat Shah’s return adds experience to batting lineup
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the return of Rahmat to the Test side. The veteran batter has been a crucial figure in Afghanistan’s journey in Test cricket and has featured in 11 of the nation’s 12 Tests so far. He had missed Afghanistan’s most recent one-off Test against Zimbabwe last year, but his inclusion for the India challenge brings stability and valuable experience to the middle order.
Atal and Omarzai, meanwhile, are still relatively new to the longest format. Both players have only one Test appearance to their names, having debuted against Zimbabwe in 2024. Despite limited experience, the team management appears keen to invest in their long-term development.
Rashid Khan absent from Test squad once again
Star spinner Rashid Khan continues to remain unavailable for Test cricket as Afghanistan maintain a cautious approach regarding his fitness and workload management. Head coach Richard Pybus had recently stated that Rashid should prioritise his long-term health after battling injury concerns in recent months.
In Rashid’s absence, Afghanistan are expected to rely heavily on leg-spinner Qais Ahmad to lead the spin attack. Left-arm spin options Sharafuddin Ashraf and Nangeyalia Kharote have also been included to strengthen the bowling department in Indian conditions. The pace attack for the Test will feature Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi and Saleem Safi, while wicketkeeping responsibilities are expected to be shared between Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil.
Test Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Zadran, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, Saleem Safi
Reserves: Bashir Ahmad, Bashir Shah, Ismat Alam
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ODI squad retains familiar core ahead of Dharamsala series
Afghanistan’s ODI squad for the three-match series beginning in Dharamsala on June 14 largely resembles the side that performed strongly against Bangladesh last year. The batting group will once again revolve around Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat and Atal.
Rashid returns to the ODI setup and will headline Afghanistan’s spin resources alongside Nangeyalia Kharote and AM Ghazanfar. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and Omarzai are expected to play vital roles with both bat and ball. One notable addition to the ODI squad is left-arm seamer Fareed Malik, who makes his return to the format after last featuring in an ODI in 2024.
With a blend of experienced names and emerging talent, Afghanistan will be aiming to challenge India strongly in both formats during what promises to be an important tour for the rapidly improving side.
ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rahman, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami
Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Bashir Ahmad
