Image: BCCI announced India’s squads for Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 on May 19, 2026
India vs Afghanistan 2026 is officially on the calendar. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on May 19, 2026, that the Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 will consist of one standalone Test match and a three-match ODI series, running from June 6 to June 20, 2026.
The IND vs AFG Squad 2026 was selected by India’s Men’s Selection Committee, which met in Guwahati before calling a press conference addressed by Ajit Agarkar (Chairperson, Senior Men’s Selection Committee) and Devajit Saikia (Honorary Secretary, BCCI).
This series carries particular significance. With the T20 World Cup now behind them and the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia firmly on the horizon, selectors are using this series to begin building a squad capable of winning that title. The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 is, in many ways, the first concrete step in that World Cup journey.
| No. | Day | Date | Time (IST) | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturday | June 6, 2026 | 9:30 AM | Test Match | New Chandigarh |
| 2 | Saturday | June 13, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 1st ODI | Dharamshala |
| 3 | Wednesday | June 17, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 2nd ODI | Lucknow |
| 4 | Saturday | June 20, 2026 | 1:30 PM | 3rd ODI | Chennai |
Note: The 1st ODI was originally scheduled on a different date and has since been rescheduled to June 13, 2026, as confirmed by the BCCI.
Read Key Talking Points about India vs Afghanistan Test 2026: 7 Bold Predictions, Complete Squads, Venue & Winning Combination Revealed
Shubman Gill will captain India in the one-off Test match, with KL Rahul named as vice-captain.
Full Test Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (Wicket-Keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)
Key Inclusions:
Notable Absentees:
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal |
| Wicket-Keepers | Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul (VC), Dhruv Jurel |
| All-Rounders | Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar |
| Spinners | Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey |
| Pacers | Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar |
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma *, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC) |
| Wicket-Keepers | KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan |
| All-Rounders | Hardik Pandya *, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar |
| Spinners | Kuldeep Yadav, Harsh Dubey |
| Pacers | Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar |
| * Subject to fitness clearance | |
The biggest question mark surrounding the India vs Afghanistan 2026 ODI series is whether Rohit Sharma will be fit enough to play. The Indian opener missed five consecutive IPL 2026 matches for Mumbai Indians due to a right hamstring injury and was used only as an Impact Substitute in the games he returned for. He has been included in the IND vs AFG squad 2026 but must clear BCCI fitness protocols before being confirmed.
Hardik Pandya sits out three IPL matches for Mumbai Indians due to back spasms but has still made the ODI squad. Like Rohit, Pandya is subject to fitness clearance. His all-round value — especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind — makes him impossible to ignore when fit, and selectors are clearly giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Perhaps the most notable internal development in the Afghanistan tour of India 2026 squad announcement is Rishabh Pant’s demotion. After a below-par IPL 2026 campaign with Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has been stripped of his vice-captaincy in the Test squad, with KL Rahul stepping into that role. Pant is still in the Test squad but faces mounting pressure to deliver in the upcoming Test match.
The India vs Afghanistan 2026 series marks a significant moment in Shubman Gill’s leadership journey. The 26-year-old now captains India across both Test and ODI formats, a clear signal of the selectors’ long-term vision. Gill’s form and leadership during this series will be closely watched, especially with bigger assignments ahead.
The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 gives three young players a precious opportunity. Prince Yadav’s ODI inclusion is a reward for consistent domestic performances. Gurnoor Brar, named in both squads, has been one of the most talked-about fast-bowling prospects in Indian cricket over the past year. Harsh Dubey rounds out a group of youngsters who could define India’s next chapter in white-ball cricket.
India and Afghanistan have a limited but growing history in international cricket. In Tests, India have won their only previous meeting convincingly. In ODIs, India hold an overwhelming head-to-head advantage, with Afghanistan yet to register a victory against the Men in Blue in the 50-over format. The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 gives the Afghan side another opportunity to upset a transitional Indian team, but the task remains formidable.
“Few moments in cricket feel more electrifying than a bowler unleashing sheer pace at over 160 km/h”
The India vs Afghanistan 2026 series marks a crucial transition phase for Indian cricket, where experienced superstars and fearless young talents are set to share the spotlight. With Shubman Gill continuing to grow as India’s leader and emerging players like Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey earning major opportunities, this tour could shape India’s long-term plans across formats. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs adds massive experience, while fitness concerns around key all-rounders keep team balance under close watch. From the Test in New Chandigarh to the high-pressure ODIs, every match could offer important clues about India’s roadmap toward future ICC tournaments.
The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 begins on June 6, 2026, with the one-off Test match in New Chandigarh.
Shubman Gill is the captain of India for both the Test and ODI series against Afghanistan in 2026.
Yes, Virat Kohli has been named in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series 2026 and is expected to play, fitness permitting.
Rohit Sharma has been included in the ODI squad but is subject to BCCI fitness clearance due to a hamstring injury sustained during IPL 2026.
The 1st ODI between India and Afghanistan on June 13, 2026, will be played in Dharamshala at the HPCA Stadium.
Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the Afghanistan series to manage his workload, with selectors preserving him for India’s white-ball tour of England.
Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey are among the notable new or emerging faces in the IND vs AFG squad 2026.
