Latest Cricket News

Mohammed Shami, Sanju Samson Poised for India Return vs Afghanistan

Sidharth Menon
· 3 min read
mohammed shami and sanju samson

After a period of absence, senior pacer Mohammed Shami and explosive batter Sanju Samson are reportedly set to make their comebacks to the Indian cricket team during the home series against Afghanistan. The series, which includes a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series, will take place following the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to announce the squads for both formats shortly. According to recent reports, the BCCI is likely to ring in changes, especially in the Test squad, as the team prepares to face a lower-ranked opponent.

Series Schedule and Venues

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan is scheduled from June 6 to 10 and will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Following the Test, the three-match ODI series will begin on June 14.

The ODI series itinerary 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

Mohammed Shami’s Test Comeback

Mohammed Shami has been absent from Test cricket since the WTC Final in June 2023. However, his recent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have made a strong case for his return. According to a RevSportz report, the BCCI is considering Shami for the Test match as Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested.

“Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami could make a highly anticipated return. Absent from Test cricket since the June 2023 WTC Final, Shami has emphatically proven his fitness through stellar performances for Bengal and the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026,” the report stated.

READ:  Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in line for India ODI call-up for England tour: Report - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: India ODI Call-Up for England Tour on the Horizon?

Shami has been consistently putting up impressive numbers. In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, he has taken 10 wickets in 12 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants. In the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, he bagged 37 wickets in 13 innings. He was equally effective in limited-overs domestic cricket, picking up 15 wickets in 7 innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 16 wickets in 7 innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested and Mohammed Siraj potentially seeking a break, Shami’s experience and current form make him a strong candidate to lead the pace attack in the Test match.

Sanju Samson’s ODI Return

On the other hand, Sanju Samson is poised to make a comeback into the ODI squad for the series against Afghanistan. Samson has been in scintillating form in IPL 2026, smashing a couple of centuries for the Chennai Super Kings. He was also one of the standout performers for India in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“While a relatively stable ODI squad is anticipated – mirroring India’s recent limited-overs setups – a change is expected behind the stumps. Sanju Samson is strongly favoured to secure a spot in the ODI squad,” the RevSportz report mentioned.

Samson’s consistent performances with the bat and his wicketkeeping skills make him a valuable addition to the squad. His ability to accelerate the innings in the middle overs could provide India with a crucial advantage in the ODI series.

What This Means for Team India

The return of Shami and Samson adds depth and experience to the Indian squad. Shami’s inclusion will bolster the pace attack, especially in Bumrah’s absence, while Samson provides a reliable option behind the stumps and in the batting lineup. The series against Afghanistan offers an ideal opportunity for both players to re-establish themselves in the national team.

READ:  Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma set the dance floor on fire as as RCB celebrate h

With the selection committee expected to finalize the squads soon, fans will be eagerly waiting to see whether Shami and Samson get the nod they have been working so hard for.

Share
Sidharth Menon

Sidharth Menon is a senior cricket correspondent for The New Indian Express, known for his lyrical long‑form features and his intimate knowledge of Kerala’s cricketing culture. A University of Kerala graduate who fell in love with the game on the backwaters’ makeshift grounds, he cut his teeth covering Ranji Trophy matches at the Thumba and Wayanad cricket academies before stepping onto the national beat. Sidharth specialises in the art of wrist‑spin, dedicating much of his writing to the mechanics, psychology, and beauty of leg‑break and googly bowling. He has covered multiple IPL seasons with a sharp eye on emerging talent from South India, and his player profiles regularly appear in the Express’s weekend supplements. A recipient of the K. C. Mammen Mappillai Award, Sidharth brings a literary sensibility to cricket journalism, believing that a well‑told sports story can illuminate much more than a scoreboard.

More Like This