India's Anticipated Test Lineup Against Afghanistan Revealed
India's Return to Test Cricket
India is set to resume their Test cricket journey with a one-off match against Afghanistan, taking place from June 6 to 10 in Mullanpur. The Indian team has not participated in red-ball cricket since their home series against South Africa in November 2025, where they faced a surprising 2-0 defeat. Currently, India is in a phase of transition in Test cricket, retaining most players from the South Africa series. As the match approaches, let's explore the probable playing XI for India.
Openers
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to open the innings once again. This duo has established a reliable partnership in Tests and will aim to provide a robust start for the team. Rahul has been reinstated as the vice-captain and will support Shubman Gill during the match.
Middle-order
On the eve of the match, head coach Gautam Gambhir announced that Sai Sudharsan will be given a chance to play ahead of Devdutt Padikkal. Shubman Gill is slated to bat at the number four position. Rishabh Pant will take on wicketkeeping duties, having been dropped from the ODI squad and removed as the Test vice-captain.
All-rounders
India boasts a strong lineup of all-rounders. Washington Sundar is anticipated to lead this group, while Harsh Dubey may edge out Manav Suthar for his Test debut. Harsh is also part of the ODI team. Notably, Ravindra Jadeja has been rested for this match, and Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to feature in the final XI.
Bowlers
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to spearhead the pace attack. Gurnorr Brar may have to wait for his opportunity to debut. Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin department, with Axar Patel being dropped from the squad.
India's Likely Playing XI for the Afghanistan Test: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.