The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played from June 6 to June 10 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The match will mark the beginning of an important phase for Team India before a busy international calendar.

Shubman Gill will captain the side, with several established stars included in the squad. The lineup features KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, giving India a strong mix of experience and youth. The selectors have also rewarded a few promising domestic performers, with uncapped players Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Gurnoor Brar earning places in the squad. Devdutt Padikkal has also returned to the Test setup after an impressive run in domestic cricket.

Following the Test match, India and Afghanistan will face each other in a three-match ODI series, making it a valuable tour for both teams.

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One of the notable developments ahead of the Test is the inclusion of Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi as a backup player. According to reports, the young fast bowler has been brought into the squad environment to gain exposure and experience at the international level, with an eye on future overseas Test tours.

BREAKING: Auqib Nabi joins India’s Test squad for the Afghanistan Test as a backup player. He has been included to gain first-hand experience of the Indian team environment, with an eye on potential inclusion in India’s upcoming tours. #INDvAFG

— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) June 2, 2026

Nabi earned widespread recognition after a sensational Ranji Trophy campaign earlier this year. He played a key role in helping Jammu & Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy title, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 60 wickets at an outstanding average of 12.65. His impact was particularly evident in the knockout stages, where he claimed five-wicket hauls in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final.

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The right-arm pacer was also associated with Delhi Capitals during IPL 2026 and is regarded as one of India’s brightest fast-bowling prospects. Although he is yet to make his international debut, his first-class record of 156 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 18.37 suggests that a Team India cap may not be far away.