India will make their return to Test cricket in the one-off fixture against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played from June 6 to 10 in Mullanpur. India haven’t played red-ball cricket since the home series against South Africa, which took place in November 2025. SA stunned the home team and whitewashed them 2-0. India are undergoing a transition phase in Tests and they have retained the majority of players who were part of the SA series. On the eve of the one-off Test, we have a look at India’s likely playing XI for the fixture –
Openers
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue to open the innings for India. They have formed a solid opening pair in Tests and will once again aim to give a strong start to the team. Rahul was reappointed the vice-captain of the Test team and he will assist Shubman Gill in the fixture.
Middle-order
On the eve of the game, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that they will give a long rope to Sai Sudharsan and he will play ahead of Devdutt Padikkal. Gill will bat at number 4. Rishabh Pant will play ahead of Dhruv Jurel and keep the wickets. He was removed as the Test vice-captain and dropped from the ODI team.
All-rounders
India have plenty of all-rounders in the squad. Washington Sundar is set to be the lead all-rounder. Harsh Dubey could pip Manav Suthar to make his Test debut. Harsh is also part of the ODI team. The selectors rested Ravindra Jadeja for this fixture. Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to be part of the final XI.
Bowlers
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will lead the pace attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. Gurnoor Brar might have to wait for his debut. Kuldeep Yadav will lead India’s spin attack. The selectors dropped Axar Patel from the squad.
India’s likely playing XI for 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