India, led by Shubman Gill, returns to Test cricket against Afghanistan in a historic one-off match at New Chandigarh. The encounter marks the venue’s first-ever Test, Rishabh Pant’s 50th Test appearance, and a new challenge for both teams as they transition into red-ball cricket after IPL 2026.
Less than a week after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Team India is preparing for a significant return to the traditional format of the game as they take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test match at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday. While the match does not form part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, the Indian team management has made it clear that the contest will be approached with the same seriousness and commitment as any other Test encounter.
The fixture marks India’s first Test appearance since their series against South Africa in November and presents a unique challenge for players who have spent the past two months immersed in the fast-paced demands of franchise cricket. The transition from T20 cricket back to the longer format will test players’ patience, temperament, and technical discipline.
A notable aspect of India’s preparation is the limited turnaround time for several squad members. Eight players from the 15-member squad were involved in the IPL 2026 final, leaving them with only a few days to switch from the explosive nature of T20 cricket to the strategic and endurance-based requirements of Test cricket.
For captain Shubman Gill, the match represents another opportunity to strengthen his credentials as India’s long-term leader in the red-ball format. Gill continues to guide a team that is undergoing a gradual transition, with several senior players either unavailable or having moved on from international cricket.
India will take the field without experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been rested for the match. Additionally, with Ravichandran Ashwin having retired from international cricket, this will be the first home Test since 2010 in which India will be without both of their long-serving spin stalwarts.
Despite the match being outside the World Test Championship framework, head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed that India views the contest as a vital international fixture.
According to Gambhir, every Test match carries equal importance regardless of its championship status. He emphasized that the team’s objective remains to secure victory for the country and that India intends to field its strongest available combination.
The match is equally historic for the venue. The New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, which recently hosted IPL 2026 matches including the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 as one of Punjab Kings’ home grounds, is now preparing to host its maiden Test match. The ground will become the 31st venue in India to stage a men’s Test match, adding another chapter to the country’s rich cricketing history.
India’s team management has also confirmed its continued faith in young batter Sai Sudharsan, who will retain the crucial No. 3 position in the batting order. The decision highlights the selectors’ long-term plans for the talented left-hander, who is increasingly being viewed as a key figure in India’s future Test setup.
Another major milestone awaits wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. The dynamic left-hander is set to play his 50th Test match for India, a significant achievement in an already remarkable career. Among Indian wicketkeepers, only MS Dhoni and Syed Kirmani have featured in more Test matches than Pant, underlining his importance to the national side.
India’s bowling attack will also attract considerable attention. With Ashwin retired and Jadeja unavailable, the responsibility of leading the spin department is expected to fall largely on Kuldeep Yadav. Although Kuldeep endured a difficult IPL campaign, claiming only ten wickets in twelve matches, he has reportedly used the break following Delhi Capitals’ early exit to sharpen his red-ball skills and regain confidence.
On the other side, Afghanistan arrives with ambitions of demonstrating the progress they have made since their first-ever Test match against India in Bengaluru in 2018. That contest ended in a heavy defeat inside two days, but the Afghan side believes it is now significantly better equipped to compete at the highest level.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead a squad that, despite the absence of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, still possesses valuable experience. Veteran batter Rahmat Shah remains one of Afghanistan’s most dependable performers in Test cricket. He currently holds the country’s records for most Test runs, centuries, and fifty-plus scores and requires only 30 more runs to become the first Afghan cricketer to reach 1,000 Test runs.
The match also signals the beginning of a new chapter for Afghanistan under head coach Richard Pybus. The experienced coach expects the conditions at the new venue to evolve considerably over the five days, potentially making spin bowling a decisive factor as the match progresses.
The surface, made of black soil, is expected to offer good batting conditions initially. However, soaring June temperatures, forecast to touch 40 degrees Celsius, could gradually dry the pitch and bring spinners increasingly into the game. Endurance, concentration, and adaptability are likely to be crucial attributes for success.
As India seeks a winning return to Test cricket and Afghanistan aims to showcase its growth on the international stage, the historic New Chandigarh Test promises an intriguing contest between two sides with different objectives but equal determination. With milestones, new beginnings, and a landmark venue all forming part of the narrative, cricket fans can expect a fascinating red-ball battle over the coming days.
Match Details:
Match: India vs Afghanistan, One-off Test
Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM IST
Venue: New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh
Live Broadcast: Jiostar and Star Sports Network
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