Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of Afghanistan test after failing to clear the fitness test held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Right-arm Delhi bowler Navdeep Siani has been called as his replacement in the 15-member squad.
The 25-year-old had sensational Ranji Trophy campaign, helping Delhi all the way to the finals with 34 wickets (highest in the tournament) in 8 games.
His performance in the domestic circuit earned him a call during India’s tour of South Africa tour but he decided to stay back and play in the Ranji Trophy finals against Vidarbha.
Saini has been included as a like-for-like replacement for Shami. However, there is only a thin chance of him making his debut.
Saini is part of the four-day set-up of the India A team and is set to travel to UK next month. The 25-year-old has so far played 31 first-class games, taking 96 wickets.
"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Navdeep Saini as Mohammed Shami's replacement in the Indian Test team for the upcoming Paytm Test against Afghanistan. The announcement came after Mohd. Shami failed to clear the fitness test at NCA, Bengaluru," the BCCI release stated.
According to a senior BCCI official "Karun Nair and Hardik Pandya were the two best performers in the YoYo Test with scores of above 18."
India will play Afghanistan in the one-off test match in Bengaluru. This game will also mark Afghanistan’s entry in the longest format.
Ajinkya Rahane will lead the Indian side in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli.