India vs Afghanistan Test 2026: Everything you need to know

India returns to Test cricket this weekend, hosting Afghanistan in a one-off fixture at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur), beginning June 6 at 9:30 a.m. IST. It is India’s first red-ball assignment since a 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa last November, and marks the inaugural Test at the Mullanpur ground.

Leadership shake-up and key absentees

Ahead of the match, the national selectors overhauled the leadership setup. KL Rahul has been appointed Test vice-captain, ending Rishabh Pant’s stint in the role, while Shubman Gill continues as captain. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for both the Test and the subsequent ODI series as part of workload management ahead of the England tour. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Akash Deep have also been left out of the squad. Three uncapped players — left-arm spinning all-rounder Manav Suthar of Rajasthan, Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar, and Vidarbha spinner Harsh Dubey — earn their maiden Test call-ups.

Shubman Gill makes a welcome return to the red-ball fold after missing the final Test against South Africa with a neck injury. Fresh off a standout IPL 2026 campaign where he finished as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, Gill is expected to slot in at number four.

Afghanistan’s squad revamp and how to watch

Afghanistan arrive on the back of a Test defeat in Harare and have reshuffled accordingly. Rahmat Shah returns from injury, while Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Qais Ahmad come into the side. Ismat Alam and Yamin Ahmadzai have been dropped after failing to impress in Zimbabwe.

The Test will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Tickets are available on the District platform, with prices ranging from ₹250 to ₹10,000 across multiple stand categories.