CricPage Editorial

India vs Afghanistan Test 2026: 7 Bold Predictions, Complete Squads, Venue & Winning Combination Revealed

The India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 is set to be one of the most fascinating one-off contests in recent memory — a brand-new Indian squad full of debutants facing an Afghan side with genuine spin firepower. Here is everything you need to know before the first ball is bowled on June 6.

AB Ankit
Cricket Editor
June 2, 2026

Image: India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 — The one-off Test begins from June 6 in New Chandigarh.

⚡ India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 – Quick Facts

FORMAT

One-off Test

DATE

June 6–10, 2026

START TIME

9:30 AM IST / 4:00 AM GMT

VENUE

New Chandigarh (Mullanpur)

INDIA CAPTAIN

Shubman Gill

AFG. CAPTAIN

Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 — Full Schedule

The Afghanistan tour of India 2026 spans 1 Test and 3 ODIs from June 6 to June 20. The India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 is the headline event, while the ODI series features fresh venues across Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai.

MATCH	DATE	VENUE	TIME (IST)
One-off Test	June 6–10, 2026	Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Intl. Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh	9:30 AM
1st ODI	June 13, 2026	HP Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala	1:30 PM
2nd ODI	June 17, 2026	Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow	1:30 PM
3rd ODI	June 20, 2026	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai	1:30 PM

Table: Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 full schedule.

India Test Squad for Afghanistan Tour 2026

India’s Test squad for the one-off match is captained by Shubman Gill, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Notably absent from familiar names, the selection committee has used this low-stakes fixture as a genuine audition for the next Test cycle, handing maiden call-ups to domestic stars Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, and Manav Suthar — all three specialising in spin-friendly conditions.

IN India Test Squad — Afghanistan Tour 2026

#	PLAYER	ROLE	BATTING	BOWLING	AGE
1	Shubman Gill C	Batter	Right-hand	Offbreak	26
2	KL Rahul VC	WK-Batter	Right-hand	—	34
3	Yashasvi Jaiswal	Batter	Left-hand	Legbreak	24
4	Dhruv Jurel †	WK-Batter	Right-hand	—	25
5	Devdutt Padikkal	Batter	Left-hand	Offbreak	25
6	Rishabh Pant †	WK-Batter	Left-hand	—	28
7	Sai Sudharsan	Batter	Left-hand	Legbreak	24
8	Harsh Dubey NEW	Allrounder	Left-hand	Slow L-arm Orthodox	23
9	Nitish Kumar Reddy	Allrounder	Right-hand	Medium fast	22
10	Manav Suthar NEW	Allrounder	Left-hand	Slow L-arm Orthodox	23
11	Washington Sundar	Allrounder	Left-hand	Offbreak	26
12	Gurnoor Brar NEW	Bowler	Left-hand	Right-arm Fast	25
13	Kuldeep Yadav	Bowler	Left-hand	L-arm Wrist spin	31
14	Mohammed Siraj	Bowler	Right-hand	Right-arm Fast	32
15	Prasidh Krishna	Bowler	Right-hand	Right-arm Fast medium	30

† = Wicketkeeper

Afghanistan Test Squad for India Tour 2026

Afghanistan arrive with their most experienced Test lineup yet. Hashmatullah Shahidi leads a squad boasting genuine Test match quality, particularly in the spin department with Rahmat Shah’s Legbreak Googly and Sharafuddin Ashraf’s orthodox variations. The batting, however, still rests heavily on Shahidi himself and opening duo Abdul Malik and Sediqullah Atal.

AF Afghanistan Test Squad — India Tour 2026

#	PLAYER	ROLE	BATTING	BOWLING	AGE
1	Hashmatullah Shahidi C	Batter	Left-hand	Offbreak	31
2	Abdul Malik	Batter	Right-hand	Offbreak	27
3	Afsar Zazai †	WK-Batter	Right-hand	—	32
4	Ikram Alikhil †	WK-Batter	Left-hand	—	25
5	Rahmanullah	Batter	Right-hand	—	23
6	Rahmanullah Gurbaz †	WK-Batter	Right-hand	Medium	24
7	Sediqullah Atal	Batter	Left-hand	—	24
8	Azmatullah Omarzai	Allrounder	Right-hand	Medium fast	26
9	Nangeyalia Kharote	Allrounder	Left-hand	Slow L-arm Orthodox	22
10	Rahmat Shah	Allrounder	Right-hand	Legbreak Googly	32
11	Sharafuddin Ashraf	Allrounder	Right-hand	Slow L-arm Orthodox	31
12	Bilal Sami	Bowler	Right-hand	Right-arm Medium	22
13	Mohammad Saleem	Bowler	Right-hand	Right-arm Fast	23
14	Qais Ahmad	Bowler	Right-hand	Legbreak	25
15	Ziaur Rahman	Bowler	Right-hand	Right-arm Medium fast	27

† = Wicketkeeper

The India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 is not merely a cricket match—it is a collision of ambition and belief, where one nation defends its legacy, another chases history, and every session becomes a battle for respect in the game’s toughest format.

Venue & Pitch Report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium at Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, is the newest Test venue in India. Built to accommodate 35,000 spectators, it hosted its first international fixtures relatively recently, making historical pitch data limited — which itself is a talking point for team selection.

Jump to the key talking points for the India vs Afghanistan Test 2026.

What to Expect From the Surface

Early evidence from domestic matches at Mullanpur suggests a pitch that offers assistance to pace bowlers on Day 1 before the surface settles into a spin-friendly track by Day 3 and beyond. The outfield is expansive and fast, favouring aggressive stroke play. A fresh wicket almost always shows some lateral movement in the opening two sessions — a potential problem for Afghanistan’s top order, who have historically struggled against quality fast bowling in Test cricket.

Weather Conditions

June weather in New Chandigarh means heat (expected 38–42°C) and low humidity early in the week, with slim but non-zero chances of thunderstorm interruption later in the match. India’s bowlers — accustomed to these conditions — will hold a natural advantage.

India vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record in Tests

INDIA

Test win

TESTS PLAYED

Since 2018

AFGHANISTAN

Test win

Note: Head to Head record updated after the Test was complete. It was 1-0 India before the start of the test.

India and Afghanistan have met in only one Test to date — in Bengaluru in 2018 — which India won by a margin of an innings and 262 runs. Afghanistan were bundled out for 109 and 103 in that match on a difficult surface. Since then, Afghanistan’s Test programme has matured significantly, but India remain the dominant force in this fixture.

ODI Head-to-Head

In four ODIs between the sides, India have won three, with one tie. The only defeat on a win/loss basis has never occurred — India are unbeaten in ODIs against Afghanistan. The 2026 three-match ODI series following this Test will be an equally fascinating contest, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli likely to join the squad in the white-ball format.

Fresh Faces: India's Maiden Test Call-Ups to Watch

One of the biggest stories around the India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 is the BCCI’s decision to use this match as a genuine audition. Three domestic performers have earned maiden Test call-ups — and each one has a compelling claim to a long-term place in India’s plans.

Harsh Dubey — Slow Left-Arm Orthodox

The 23-year-old has been one of the most consistent left-arm spinners in domestic cricket over the past two Ranji Trophy cycles. His ability to extract sharp turn even on unresponsive surfaces, combined with a natural away-going angle for right-handers, makes him a potent weapon against Afghanistan’s predominantly right-handed top order.

Manav Suthar — Slow Left-Arm Orthodox

Another slow left-armer from Rajasthan, Suthar gives India an embarrassment of riches in the spin department. His call-up signals that the selection committee values depth over variety here — something they’re willing to do with Afghanistan’s batters likely to struggle against quality spin on a turning track.

Gurnoor Brar — Right-Arm Fast

The Punjab pacer brings serious pace and the ability to hit the deck hard. Brar’s domestic record is exceptional — over 200 wickets at a strong average in First Class cricket — and this Test offers him the perfect chance to cement a spot in India’s long-term pace rotation alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

India vs Afghanistan Test 2026: Key Match-Up Battles

Kuldeep Yadav vs Hashmatullah Shahidi

SPIN VS TECHNIQUE

Kuldeep's wrist spin — going away from the left-hander and turning back sharply — is a nightmare match-up for Shahidi, who relies on a straight bat and conservative technique. The Afghanistan captain will need to play the lone hand for his side.

Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Qais Ahmad

AGGRESSION VS LEGBREAK

Jaiswal's aggressive left-hand batting against Qais Ahmad's legbreak variations. Jaiswal is stronger against pace — the Afghan wrist spinner could be the bowler who most troubles him early in his innings.

Shubman Gill vs Afghanistan's New Ball

CAPTAIN'S KNOCK

As captain and India's highest-ranked Test batter in the squad, Gill needs to set the tone early. Mohammad Saleem's right-arm pace will test Gill's off-stump corridor in the first session.

Rahmat Shah vs Washington Sundar

EXPERIENCE VS SPIN

Rahmat Shah is Afghanistan's most technically gifted Test batter. Washington Sundar's offbreak and ability to hold one end will be critical — he can dry up runs while the wrist spinners operate at the other end.

5 Major Talking Points: India vs Afghanistan Test 2026

1. Can Afghanistan Take a First-Innings Lead?

It has never happened in their one previous Test against India, but Afghanistan’s batting has matured since 2018. If their top three — Shahidi, Atal, and Gurbaz — can replicate their T20 composure at the Test level, a competitive first innings score is achievable. Anything above 250 should be considered a success for the visitors.

2. Which Wicketkeeper Will India Start With?

India have listed three wicketkeepers in their Test squad — Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel. This is one of the most important selection decisions Gill faces in his captaincy tenure. Pant’s explosive batting makes him the instinctive pick, but his fitness management will be closely monitored given his comeback from injury. Jurel’s form in domestic cricket has been outstanding and he may get the gloves here.

3. Is This the Start of a New Test Era for India?

With the retirement of seniors and a new-look squad, this India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 could mark a transitional moment in Indian cricket. Several players — Jaiswal, Sudharsan, Padikkal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy — are auditioning for permanent places in a post-Rohit, post-Kohli Test side. Their performances here will carry significant weight in squad conversations for the remainder of the year.

4. Will the New Chandigarh Track Turn From Day One?

India’s spin-heavy selection — potentially three or even four spinners in the playing eleven — signals that the team management expects turn. Kuldeep, Washington Sundar, plus one or both of Dubey or Suthar in the XI would create a relentless spin carousel that Afghanistan’s batters have never faced at Test level in India before.

5. Mohammad Nabi Absence — A Bigger Deal Than It Seems

Although Mohammad Nabi is listed in the Afghanistan ODI squad and not the Test squad, his absence from the Test format means Afghanistan lack their most impactful all-round performer. Azmatullah Omarzai and Sharafuddin Ashraf have big shoes to fill in the all-rounder slots.

India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 Broadcast and Livestream Note

Broadcast and livestream details can vary by country and rights holder. Check the official broadcaster or the latest media release before the match begins.

Frequently Asked Questions — India vs Afghanistan Test 2026

When does the India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 start?

The India vs Afghanistan one-off Test begins on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9:30 AM IST (4:00 AM GMT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur).

Where is the India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 being played?

The match is being played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, located in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, Punjab. It is one of India’s newest international venues, with a capacity of around 35,000.

Who is captaining India in the Afghanistan Test 2026?

Shubman Gill is captaining India in the one-off Test against Afghanistan 2026. KL Rahul serves as vice-captain. This marks an important chapter in Gill’s captaincy development at the Test level.

Has India ever lost a Test to Afghanistan?

No. India and Afghanistan have played only one Test before — in Bengaluru in 2018 — which India won by an innings and 262 runs. Afghanistan have never beaten India in a Test match.

Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play in the Afghanistan Test 2026?

Neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma is part of the India Test squad for the Afghanistan series 2026. Both are named in the ODI squad, so they are expected to feature in the three-match ODI series that follows the Test.

What are the maiden call-ups in India's Test squad vs Afghanistan 2026?

Three players have received maiden Test call-ups in India’s squad for the Afghanistan series: Harsh Dubey (slow left-arm orthodox), Manav Suthar (slow left-arm orthodox), and Gurnoor Brar (right-arm fast). All three are domestic standouts who have earned their opportunities through consistent Ranji Trophy performances.

Where can I watch the India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 live?

Broadcast and livestream rights can vary by country and may be confirmed close to the match. Check the official broadcaster or the latest media release before play begins.

What is Afghanistan's ODI record against India?

India are unbeaten against Afghanistan in ODIs, having won 3 of 4 matches with 1 tied. Results include wins by 8 wickets (Delhi, 2023), 11 runs (Southampton, 2019), and 8 wickets (Mirpur, 2014), with one tied match in Dubai in 2018.

⚡ Verdict

The India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 is more than just a routine fixture — it is a window into the next chapter of Indian Test cricket. With three uncapped players in the squad, a new captain, and a venue providing limited historical data, there are genuine unknowns heading into June 6. For Afghanistan, this remains a match to show the world they belong in the same Test arena as the game’s greatest home side. They may not win — but a competitive performance, particularly from Hashmatullah Shahidi and the spin all-rounders, would be a meaningful step forward for Test cricket’s newest regular participants.

AB Ankit is Editor-in-chief of CricPage.

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