New Delhi, June 4: The much-anticipated single Test match between India and Afghanistan is set to commence this Saturday. The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, the Indian team aims to deliver a strong performance. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is determined to challenge India in the longest format of the game.
Historically, India and Afghanistan have faced each other in just one Test match, which occurred in 2018 in Bengaluru. India showcased an impressive performance, winning by an innings and 262 runs. However, Afghanistan has significantly strengthened its team over the past eight years. Devdutt Padikkal has been included in the squad for this Test, following his outstanding performances in IPL 2026 and domestic cricket.
In addition to Padikkal, several young players have been given the opportunity in this series. Manav Suthar has been selected for the Indian team for the first time, and fast bowler Gurnoor Barar has also made the squad. Harsh Dubey is expected to trouble the Afghan batsmen with his spin bowling.
With the presence of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rishabh Pant, India’s batting lineup appears formidable. Pant, who has been struggling with form, has a golden opportunity to perform well in this Test. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Padikkal will also look to make their mark if given the chance. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have also been included in the team. Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, supported by Prasidh Krishna. Both Pant and Dhruv Jurel will serve as wicketkeepers.
The Indian squad for the Test includes: 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 Barar, Harsh Dubey, and Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper).
The Afghanistan squad for the Test comprises: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Afsar Zazai (wicketkeeper), Ikram Ali Khil (wicketkeeper), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmanullah Jadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Zia Sharifi, and Salim Safi.
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