The Indian team management is likely to make a final decision on Mohammed Siraj's workload within the next 48 hours ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan. If the 32-year-old pacer is rested, Auqib Nabi will replace him in the squad, according to sources.
Medical Assessment Underway
TimesofIndia.com has learned that medical staff continues to monitor Siraj, who has already reached Chandigarh. His participation hinges on an assessment over the next two days. Siraj had a long season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Gujarat Titans (GT), playing every match, including the final on May 31, which GT lost by five wickets to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Discussions on Resting Siraj
Discussions occurred about resting Siraj for the one-off Test, but decision-makers did not want to field a completely inexperienced bowling attack. If selectors make a late call to rest Siraj, Gurnoor Brar is likely to debut, and Nabi will be added to the squad.
A source tracking developments told TimesofIndia.com: "Siraj has had a long season. If he is rested, there is a bright possibility Gurnoor will play and Nabi will come into the squad." Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy and guided Jammu & Kashmir to the title, has joined the Indian squad as one of six net bowlers assisting the team in the build-up to the Test.
Net Bowlers Supporting the Team
Apart from Nabi, pacers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav, and spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari and Shivang Kumar have also been asked to bowl in the nets. The one-off Test will be played at the New Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Stadium in New Chandigarh. It will be followed by three ODIs in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Chennai.
About the Author
Pratyush Raj is a cricket journalist with TOI Sports, specializing in all things cricket, both on and off the field. He began his career with Business Standard before following his passion as a sports reporter for the Times of India in Chandigarh. Pratyush has also contributed to the sports coverage of India Today Group, and his last stint was with The Indian Express. His love for sports was nurtured during his upbringing in flood-prone Saharsa, a district in North Bihar, where Cricket Samrat was his constant companion.
