Bumrah workload, Jaiswal's ODI spot set to headline selection discussions

The national selection committee will meet in Guwahati on Tuesday (May 19) to pick India's Test and ODI squads for the home series against Afghanistan. The series includes one Test and three ODIs between June 6 and 20.

India lost to South Africa in Tests and New Zealand in ODIs most recently, but few changes are expected. Most members of the previous squads are likely to be retained in both formats, with Shubman Gill leading the side after missing the last Test due to a neck injury.

The Ajit Agarkar-led committee will focus on Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

A key question is how to fit Jaiswal into the ODI XI. The 24-year-old scored an unbeaten century in his last ODI against South Africa but was dropped when Gill returned. With Rohit and Gill opening, there's no room for Jaiswal at the top. Rohit's hamstring injury, which has limited him to an Impact Player role for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, may create an opportunity. Jaiswal has played only four ODIs in three years compared to 28 Tests.

If Rohit is fit for the ODIs starting June 14, selectors must juggle. This raises another issue: should the two senior pros, both in their 30s, be rested for the Afghanistan series given their non-stop IPL schedule? Agarkar's committee has a history of tough calls.

The other big question is Rishabh Pant's place in the ODI squad. He's the second wicketkeeper behind KL Rahul, and with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson performing well, there are doubts. Pant has been retained due to lack of opportunity in the playing XI.

Bumrah's workload will also be discussed. He may be rested for either one format or both to ensure full fitness for the England series in July. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the last Ranji Trophy season, is likely to be selected for the Test squad, if not the ODIs.