Predicted XI of Afghanistan vs India in one-off Test

India are set to take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test match beginning on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The match will mark India’s return to red-ball cricket after a busy white-ball season, with several players transitioning from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the demands of Test cricket. While a few experienced names will form the core of the side, the contest could also provide opportunities for emerging talents to make a mark on the international stage.

Here is the predicted XI of Afghanistan vs India:

Top Order: Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (Ct), Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The batting responsibility will largely rest on the shoulders of Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Rahmat has been Afghanistan’s most successful Test batter, scoring 970 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will occupy a key position in the top order. The left-hander has accumulated 771 runs in 11 Test matches and has often anchored Afghanistan’s innings under pressure. Aggressive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to bat in the top order as well. Although he has played only two Test matches, his attacking approach can put opposition bowlers under pressure and provide Afghanistan with quick runs.

Middle Order: Abdul Malik, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote

Abdul Malik is expected to strengthen the middle order. Having played five Test matches, he brings valuable experience and the ability to occupy the crease when required. All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will be one of Afghanistan’s most important players. While he has featured in only one Test so far, his contributions with both bat and ball provide balance to the side.

Ikram Alikhil is likely to take up the wicketkeeping duties. The right-handed batter has played two Tests and will be expected to contribute useful runs in the middle order. Sharafuddin Ashraf adds depth as a spin-bowling all-rounder, while young left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote is expected to make his Test debut. Kharote’s inclusion could provide Afghanistan with an additional spin option on a surface that may assist slow bowlers.

Bowlers: Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

The bowling attack will be led by leg-spinner Qais Ahmad, who has represented Afghanistan in two Test matches and possesses the ability to trouble batters with his variations. Bilal Sami could make his Test debut and will be eager to impress with the new ball. He will be supported by Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, who has played one Test and offers pace and bounce to Afghanistan’s attack. With a balanced combination of experienced batters, all-rounders, and emerging bowlers, Afghanistan will be aiming to put up a strong fight against India in the one-off Test.

Predicted Afghanistan XI

Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (Ct), Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Abdul Malik, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

FAQs

When will the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test start?

The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan is scheduled to begin on June 6, 2026.

Where will the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test be played?

The match will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

Which Afghanistan players could be key in the one-off Test?

With the bat, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ikram Alikhil are expected to play important roles. With the ball, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, and Azmatullah Omarzai could be the players to watch.