IND vs AFG: Big surprise in Team India’s playing eleven, young player will debut; Padikkal out!

By Sandy Verma On Jun 6, 2026

There may be a big change in the playing eleven of Team India in the Mullanpur Test against Afghanistan. It is considered certain that Sai Sudarshan will play at number 3. Let us know which players can get a chance.

IND vs AFG, India Probable Playing XI: The one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan will be played from June 6 at Mullanpur Stadium, New Chandigarh. After a long gap, the Indian team is making a comeback in international cricket and with this match the busy season is also going to begin. In such a situation, everyone’s eyes are on which playing eleven captain Shubman Gill will take the field with.

Many questions remain regarding team selection, but it is almost certain that at least one young player will get a chance to make his Test debut in this match. At the same time, some players may have to wait for their chance. The indications from the team management before the match have made the picture of the possible playing eleven clear to a great extent.

IND vs AFG: Sai Sudarshan’s place confirmed at number 3

Before the match, Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir made it clear that Sai Sudarshan will bat at number 3. Sai has not yet got a chance to play big innings in the opportunities he has got in Test cricket, but the team management is expressing confidence in him. Gambhir believes that the young batsman should be given more time to showcase his talent. In such a situation, this match against Afghanistan will be a big opportunity for Sai Sudarshan to prove himself.

Back to tests 🫡 pic.twitter.com/LTZAsxV0tv
— Sai Sudharsan (@sais_1509) June 4, 2026

IND vs AFG: Devdutt Padikkal may have to wait

After Sai Sudarshan getting a chance at number-3, Devdutt Padikkal does not seem to be getting a place in the playing eleven. Padikkal is definitely a part of the team, but considering the current combination, he may have to sit on the bench. The team management seems to be in no mood to make much changes in the batting order, due to which the wait for them may become longer.

IND vs AFG: Rahul-Jaiswal will start the innings

The opening pair of the Indian team seems almost certain. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal can be seen opening the innings. Captain Shubman Gill will bat at number 4, while wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant will take charge of the middle order. It is almost certain that Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy will play as all-rounders, which will provide balance to the team in both batting and bowling departments.

IND vs AFG: There is every possibility of the debut of the young spinner

In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar will lead the spin attack. Either Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar may get a chance as the third spinner. It is considered difficult for both of them to play together, but the Test debut of one of these players seems almost certain. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who are fit in the fast bowling attack, will take over the responsibility, while Nitish Kumar Reddy can be seen in the role of the third fast bowler.

IND vs AFG: India’s probable playing XI

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey/Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.