The Indian senior men's selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, is set to finalize squads for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the subsequent three-match ODI series on May 19. This announcement comes hot on the heels of a busy IPL season, with players already advised to ramp up their workloads for the five-day fixture.

For the Test, Shubman Gill is expected to anchor a formidable batting lineup. However, the bowling attack will see fresh faces, as Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for this non-World Test Championship encounter. Among the newcomers tipped for selection is Gurnoor Brar, whose ability to hit the good areas consistently with pace and sharp movement has caught the selectors' eye.

Turning to the ODIs, no major surprises are anticipated, but the second wicketkeeper slot is up for debate. Rishabh Pant has been a regular in the setup but has struggled for consistency in the IPL. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan's stocks have soared since his return to T20Is, making him a strong contender. His left-handedness, red-hot form, and ability to bat anywhere in the order give head coach Rahul Dravid valuable flexibility. KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter, with his experience set to be crucial for the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year.

The biggest talking point, however, revolves around the spin-bowling all-rounder role. Ravindra Jadeja's underwhelming returns with both bat and ball, coupled with a lack of batting intent in a position demanding more aggression, could see him make way for Axar Patel. Expect intense discussions on this front as the selection date approaches.