As soon as Kohli’s stint with Surrey for the month of June was confirmed, questions about his participation in the home Test against Afghanistan in June cropped up. It’s Afghanistan’s maiden Test match, a historic occasion, and will be played in Bangalore from 14 June. But India’s regular captain will not be a part of it, and the home side will be led by Ajinkya Rahane instead.

Prasad also said that the team management was also looking to groom five to six wicket-keepers as backup for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, though he insisted that the former Indian skipper remained the best stumper in the country.

“We are definitely working on five-six keepers,” said Prasad, himself a former India stumper. “In the last one year, for India A, we have changed three wicket-keepers so that we are preparing them for the next level. Having said that, Dhoni is still the best wicketkeeper that India has. He has been doing extremely well.”