Shubman Gill Leads India in Test Match Against Afghanistan

Shubman Gill is set to lead the Indian cricket team in a Test match against Afghanistan, marking a return to the longest format after a seven-month hiatus. The match, taking place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, is crucial for India as they prepare for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. With a stable lineup and key players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the team aims to regain momentum in Test cricket. The selection for the final spot in the playing XI remains uncertain, adding an element of intrigue to this inaugural Test at New Chandigarh.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 19:20 IST

India's Test Match Against Afghanistan

Just a week after guiding the Gujarat Titans to the IPL final, Shubman Gill resumes his leadership role with the Indian cricket team as they prepare to face Afghanistan in a Test match on Saturday, June 6, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Although this match does not contribute to the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, the two-time finalists are eager to regain their footing in the longest format ahead of their Sri Lanka tour in August.

The Indian lineup is expected to remain stable, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opening the batting. Gill will bat at number four, while Rishabh Pant is set to take the number five position as the wicketkeeper. In the spin department, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are anticipated to feature prominently, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will lead the pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

With a focus on developing a pace-bowling all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to receive another opportunity to showcase his skills. The selection for the number three position remains a topic of discussion, as Sai Sudharsan's recent performances against England and South Africa were underwhelming. Devdutt Padikkal, who had a strong domestic season, is expected to step in after Sudharsan. Padikkal has only played two red-ball matches for India, with his last outing being a significant victory against Australia in Perth in November 2025.

After contributing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL title win, Padikkal is set to return to the national team after a hiatus of 558 days. The absence of Ravindra Jadeja opens up another spot, ensuring a debut for a new player. The pitch conditions will play a crucial role in determining whether India opts for pace bowler Gurnoor Brar or left-arm spinners Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey. This match marks the inaugural Test at New Chandigarh, leaving uncertainty about the pitch's behavior in red-ball cricket, which may lead to a last-minute decision regarding the final player in the XI.

Projected Indian XI for the Test Against Afghanistan: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (Captain), Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar/Manav Suthar/Harsh Dubey.

India’s Test Squad Against Afghanistan: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper).