Here’s the list of Indian players gearing up for county stint

Jasprit Bumrah: Along with Bhuvneshwar, Jasprit Bumrah is also on the list of stars who will be going early to England for early acclimatization.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Swing sensation Bhuvi is also among the India’s elite who will be sent to England to play County cricket ahead 5-match Test series.

Cheteshwar Pujara: Just like Ishant, Pujara too is busy playing County for Yorkshire. India’s No. 3 has had a dismal run the championship so far, which makes it all the more sensible to let him be in England for the entire duration of May-July.

Shikhar Dhawan: The opening batsman, who is vulnerable to swing bowling, may be sent to England along with the A team under Rahul Dravid.

Ajinkya Rahane: Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was almost certain to lead India in the absence of Virat Kohli but now BCCI has planned to send him to England in advance to prepare for the England.

“There is clear understanding that those playing in the County Championship should stay back in England,” the source added.

Ishant Sharma: The Test specialist is already in England, playing for Sussex in the County championship. It is unlikely that he would return to India for that one Test.

R Ashwin: The King XI Punjab captain is all set to sign a County deal just like Virat Kohli during that period.

Now, reports are emerging that Kohli is not the only Indian star set to miss Afghanistan’s debut Test match in Bangalore.

According to Times of India as many as eight Test regulars are set to miss the Test match against Afghanistan, making it clear that India would field a second string squad for the one-off Test match.

“Test specialists are set to travel to UK for early acclimatization. Everyone has hailed it as good planning on part of the CoA. Isn't it more important for India to prepare for the Test in England than fielding the maximum firepower against Afghanistan?” a source close to the Committee of Administrators (CoA) said.

Here are the long list of Indian stars who will miss the Afghanistan Test match.

That Virat Kohli will be unavailable for the Afghanistan Test match in June was certain when the Indian captain signed a one-month deal with English County side Surrey.

Kohli’s unavailability has attracted mixed reactions both from Indian and Afghan officials.

Kohli will play for Surrey for the entire duration of June, preparing for the England tour, slated to begin from August.