Virat Kohli had hinted leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal to prepare for the Afghan Test, raising a possible question of Chahal replacing Ashwin in the squad. (Photo: BCCI / AP)

Mumbai: The selection of the Indian cricket squad for the historic one-off Test against Afghanistan and the limited-overs leg for series against Ireland and England are all set to be picked on Tuesday.

With permanent captain Virat Kohli penning a one-month deal with English County Surrey ahead of the long tour, Team India will have to find a new captain for the only Test in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, one of the permanent faces in the Indian Test squad has been that of Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been regularly overlooked for the country’s limited-overs sides.

According to a report in Times of India, Kohli had hinted leg-break bowler Yuzvendra Chahal to prepare for the Afghan Test, raising a possible question of Chahal replacing Ashwin in the squad.

“Virat has given Chahal enough feelers. But now that Virat has himself backed out of the Test, it could be interesting if the selectors stick with Chahal,” a source close to the team management was quoted saying to Times of India.

Ashwin, who has played for Worcestershire in England, did not renew his deal with the County club.

“Kohli is batting strongly for Chahal and Bumrah. He wanted both for Test matches in South Africa despite both having very little experience of bowling with the red ball. But he was granted just Bumrah,” the source added.

The same report has gone onto say that Kohli has always preferred Chahal over Kuldeep Yadav. Whenever India goes ahead with one spinner in the playing XI. Interestingly, the duo are currently representing Royal Challengers Bangalore ( RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Kohli is captaining.

“Chahal is quicker through the air and is more accurate. He has been asked to concentrate on his leg-breaks. That’s why you see him bowling more share turning leg-breaks this IPL. Bangalore could have been the ideal ground for Chahal to make his debut,” the source continued.

The one-off Test will be played on June 14, whereas the England tour will kick off on July 3.