IND vs AFG: Predicted IND Playing XI for the India vs Afghanistan Test match

Following the successful conclusion of IPL 2026, the focus of fans has once again shifted back to international cricket; in this context, the Indian team is set to kick off their next campaign by participating in a one-off Test match against Afghanistan, starting on June 6. This match will be played in Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

The Indian team played its previous Test series against South Africa in 2025, which resulted in a 0-2 defeat. Although the upcoming match against Afghanistan is not part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship, the team management has clearly signalled—by selecting a strong squad—that the players must not take any match lightly. 

However, a couple of fresh faces have also been included, including Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Gurnoor Brar. Now, it remains to be seen which of these players gets the opportunity to make their Test debut.

Regular skipper Shubman Gill also returns as captain, after missing the second test against South Africa. He got a neck injury in the first test in that series. Senior batter KL Rahul became the new vice-captain of the test side, replacing Rishabh Pant. 

Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan both appear to be in tremendous form during IPL 2026. However, the management is unlikely to be able to accommodate both of them in the playing XI simultaneously.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will once again open the innings. At the number 3 spot, either Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal could be given an opportunity. Following that, the onus of the middle order will lie with Captain Shubman Gill, senior wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel. Consideration could be given to fielding either Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar in place of Dhruv Jurel. Both are left-arm orthodox bowlers who can fulfil the responsibilities typically handled by Ravindra Jadeja in his absence. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy could feature at 7. He offers an option as a fast-bowling all-rounder who is also well-versed in batting in the lower order. Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack. It will be fascinating to watch which bowler will be Siraj’s partner, Prasidh Krishna or Gurnoor Brar. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will take responsibility for the spin department. Washington Sundar can also contribute with his batting in the lower order. 

Predicted India playing XI vs Afghanistan

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Sai Sudharsan/Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill ©, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna