India Predicted Playing 11 vs Afghanistan: Shubman Gill To Captain, Debut likely at Mullanpur

India will be up against Afghanistan in a one-off Test match from Saturday (June 6) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

India will take this match as a preparatory step ahead of the greater challenges. Although this match won't be part of the World Test Championship, Shubman Gill and his men need a victory to boost their confidence as the results in Red Ball cricket have been below par for the hosts in recent times.

India Team News

India's probable Playing XI reflects a blend of experience, youth, and balance under captain Shubman Gill. KL Rahul's elevation as vice-captain adds stability, while several players compete for key spots in this transitional phase.

The absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja opens opportunities for others. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar provide all-round balance. New inclusions such as left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, pacer Gurnoor Brar, and all-rounder Harsh Dubey bring fresh energy. It is going to be either Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey who are likely to have a debut, while Brar may get the nod if Siraj is not fit.

Sai Sudharsan is set to play at no. 3, as it was confirmed by Gautam Gambhir, which means Devdutt Padikkal may have to sit out for this match. The pitch at Mullanpur is expected to assist seamers initially and spinners later.

Probable India Playing 11

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj/Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar.