India could take on Afghanistan in the historic Test at Bengaluru without some of the key players. Apart from captain Virat Kohli, players like Ravi Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan are likely to miss the Test match against Afghanistan. India will host Afghanistan in the latter’s first ever Test on June 14. As per the Times of India report, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is likely to name a second-string team for the Afghanistan Test. Virat Kohli Officially Signs for Surrey County Cricket Club

“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?” An official was quoted as saying by TOI.

“There is clear understanding that those playing in the County Championship should stay back in England, while another batch of three to four regular Test cricketers could go with the India A team under Rahul Dravid to get used to the conditions there. The focus is on ensuring that all the regular Test batsmen get good practice in England before the Test series begins,” added the official.

Meanwhile, Kohli has signed with Surrey while Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma are already plying trade in the County Championship.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 05, 2018 06:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).