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A fresh start unfolds for India in Test cricket, facing Afghanistan in a standalone match at Mullanpur’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium - this ground hosting its first-ever Test. With Shubman Gill at the helm, the team steps in, aiming high, eager to shake off the shadows of a lacklustre home campaign.

This time, leadership shifts stand out when KL Rahul steps in as deputy instead of Rishabh Pant. Fresh players enter the picture because Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, and Manav Suthar now join the group chosen to play.
Under pressure, India starts this contest against an Afghan team still finding its feet. A heavy 2-0 loss at home to South Africa lingers, revealing cracks even on their own turf. Though Afghanistan lacks similar strength, resting easy might backfire. The host side is aware; slipping up here brings consequences.

IND vs AFG Toss Report

India, after winning the toss, chose to bat early, where the pitch was kind to stroke play. A new face in Manav Suthar slipped into the Indian jersey, making his Test debut through spin. Meanwhile, Afghanistan rolled out Nangeyalia Kharote for his first taste of the longer format. The stage warmed under early sunshine, set for those wielding willows.

IND vs AFG Playing XIs

India (Playing XI) - KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar (On debut), Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Afsar Zazai (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote (On debut), Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saleem.

IND vs AFG Pitch Report

Deep Dasgupta once said something similar, now echoed by Michael Clarke, Mullanpur’s strip looks smooth for stroke play early on. Though cracks show near where bowlers land and at the striker’s crease, the bounce stays honest at first. As time passes, slow changes creep in.

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