The countdown has begun for India‘s one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to start on June 6, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. While India enter the contest as overwhelming favourites, the match carries significant importance for both teams as they continue to build depth and prepare for future challenges in the longest format.

Eight years after their historic maiden Test meeting in Bengaluru, Afghanistan return to India for another red-ball assignment, this time as a more experienced and competitive side. For India, the fixture offers an opportunity to evaluate emerging talent, particularly with several senior players either rested or absent from the squad.

India set to test bench strength

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has used the standalone fixture outside the World Test Championship cycle to experiment with new combinations. Young opener Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the captaincy, while KL Rahul has been appointed vice-captain, signaling a fresh leadership direction in the red-ball setup.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the Test has been the absence of premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The management has opted to rest the pace spearhead as part of workload management ahead of India’s demanding tour of England later in the season.

Bumrah’s absence has opened the door for several promising pacers, including Punjab’s towering left-arm seamer Gurnoor Brar and domestic performer Auqib Nabi, both of whom are eager to make a strong impression.

Irfan Pathan reveals his preferred bowling combination

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his views on the bowling attack he would like to see take the field against Afghanistan. Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan suggested a combination that reflects India’s traditional preference for batting depth while still maintaining a potent bowling unit.

According to Pathan, the Indian team management often prefers to have batting options extending up to No. 8, which could influence the final balance of the playing XI.

“Absolutely copy-paste, except on one point, because the Indian team likes to bat till No. 8. That’s how they play. So maybe in place of Kuldeep Yadav, at No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8 – Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar,” Pathan said.

The former left-arm pacer further outlined the lower-order composition and bowling resources he would like India to field.

“Harsh Dubey coming at No. 9 and then Gurnoor Brar and one of the fast bowlers, either Siraj or Prasidh Krishna, whichever way they want to go,” he added.

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Selection battle intensifies ahead of Mullanpur Test

Pathan’s suggestions underline the healthy competition within India’s current Test setup. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna remain strong contenders to lead the pace attack, while Washington Sundar‘s all-round abilities could provide the team with greater flexibility.

The inclusion of youngsters such as Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar would also align with India’s broader objective of identifying long-term options for the future. With several players looking to cement their place in the Test squad, the Mullanpur encounter promises to be more than just a routine fixture.

As India prepare to host Afghanistan in a rare Test match, all eyes will be on the team combination chosen by the management and whether it mirrors the balanced approach advocated by Pathan.

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