India have handed maiden Test call-ups to promising domestic performers Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in New Chandigarh from June 6 to 10. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced the 15-member squad on Tuesday, with Shubman Gill appointed captain and KL Rahul named vice-captain in place of Rishabh Pant.

The selection of Suthar, Dubey and Brar underlines India’s growing focus on strengthening its red-ball bench strength ahead of a busy international calendar. All three players have impressed consistently in domestic cricket and India A fixtures over the past year.

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India’s batting unit features a mix of youth and experience, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel included alongside senior names. With Ravindra Jadeja rested, spin responsibilities are expected to be shared by Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.

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Presenting #TeamIndia‘s squads for the @IDFCFIRSTBank Test match and the 3️⃣-match ODI series against Afghanistan in June 🙌#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/hFiABALLld

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 19, 2026

Speaking during the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar clarified Jadeja’s absence. “Ravindra Jadeja is an integral part of the team. He’s rested for the Test match, and we are trying to give opportunities to other players. It’s for this Test that we have not picked him.”

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In the pace department, Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the attack with Jasprit Bumrah rested. He will be supported by Prasidh Krishna and Brar. The Afghanistan Test marks India’s return to red-ball cricket after last year’s home series defeat against South Africa and serves as an important preparation phase before the upcoming tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand.