IND vs AFG Test: Predicted India squad and key picks

India are set to host Afghanistan in a one-off Test match at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium from June 6 to 10. The encounter marks only the second time the two sides will meet in red-ball cricket on Indian soil. In their previous meeting, India secured a dominant victory under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, and they will be aiming to replicate a similar performance with a refreshed squad.

India will enter the match after a disappointing 2-0 Test series defeat against South Africa national cricket team. With the ongoing World Test Championship cycle in mind, the team management is expected to experiment with new faces while maintaining a competitive balance.

Here are India’s predicted squad for only Test vs Afghanistan:

Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (C/WK)

The batting lineup is likely to feature a mix of youth and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to open the innings, providing stability at the top. The No.3 position could be contested between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, with Padikkal having a strong case after scoring 543 runs in six Ranji Trophy matches.

Sarfaraz Khan is likely to take the crucial No.4 spot, especially in the absence of Shubman Gill. The middle order will also include Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant, with Pant not only handling wicketkeeping duties but also captaining the side.

All-Rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shreyas Gopal, Saransh Jain, Harsh Dubey, Washington Sundar

India appear to be emphasising depth by including several all-rounders. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are expected to be key figures, offering balance with both bat and ball.

Among the emerging players, Shreyas Gopal stands out with an impressive 48 wickets in 10 Ranji Trophy matches. Saransh Jain has also made a strong case, scoring 518 runs and picking up 30 wickets in seven games, showcasing his all-round capabilities reminiscent of Ravindra Jadeja. Another promising name is Harsh Dubey, who grabbed 69 wickets in the 2024-25 domestic season, underlining his potential as a match-winner.

Bowlers: Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi

The pace attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj, who has been in excellent form, including a notable performance on the England tour where he claimed 23 wickets. He will be supported by Mukesh Kumar, a consistent performer in domestic cricket with over 200 First-Class wickets.

An exciting addition could be Auqib Nabi, an uncapped pacer who has impressed with his swing bowling. Nabi picked up 44 wickets in the 2024-25 Ranji season and followed it up with 60 wickets in 2025-26, making him a strong contender for a debut.

India’s predicted squad for one-off Test vs Afghanistan:

Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shreyas Gopal, Saransh Jain, Harsh Dubey, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi