The Indian cricket team is monitoring Mohammed Siraj's workload ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan scheduled to begin on June 6 in New Chandigarh. The medical staff is assessing the fast bowler over the next two days to determine whether he will be available for selection, as his participation remains uncertain following a demanding Indian Premier League season.

Siraj had a lengthy IPL campaign with Gujarat Titans, playing in every match including the final on May 31, which the Titans lost by five wickets to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team management has deliberated about resting the bowler for the Test but is hesitant to field an inexperienced bowling attack. Should Siraj be rested, Gurnoor Brar is likely to make his debut, with Auqib Nabi being added to the squad as his replacement.

Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy last season and guided Jammu & Kashmir to the title, has joined the Indian squad as one of six net bowlers assisting the team in preparation for the Test. Other net bowlers include pacers Gurjapneet Singh and Prince Yadav, and spinners Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar. It is notable that this one-off Test is not part of the World Test Championship.

Following the Test at the New Punjab Cricket Association International Stadium in New Chandigarh, India and Afghanistan will compete in a three-match ODI series to be played in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai.