India, June 2 -- It was a dream start for young leg spinner Zeeshan Ansari in the Indian Premier League in 2025 when, in his debut season, he took six wickets in ten games, at an economy of 9.84. Not surprisingly, he was retained for the 2026 season by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Much was expected this season too as Ansari had a massive impact in the 2025-26 edition of the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 21 wickets in eight matches at an average of 16.52, but it didn't turn out that way. Ansari was benched throughout the season with SRH finishing third in the league phase.

All's not lost for Lucknow's Ansari yet as has been asked to join the Indian team as a net bowler ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning Saturday i...