India are set to tackle Afghanistan in a historic one-off Take a look at match on the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, starting on June 6. The encounter marks India’s return to Take a look at cricket after a busy IPL 2026 season and affords a number of gamers a possibility to impress within the longest format. With senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for choice, the highlight can be on India’s spin division as they put together for situations anticipated to help gradual bowlers because the match progresses.
Forward of the competition, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his ideas on the staff’s bowling mixture and recognized a younger participant he’s notably excited to look at if given a possibility within the taking part in XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks a star he’s excited to look at within the one-off Take a look at
Talking about India’s seemingly spin choices, Ashwin expressed confidence in Kuldeep Yadav‘s means to shoulder the duty in Jadeja’s absence. The veteran off-spinner believes Kuldeep’s latest kind and expertise in Indian situations make him one of many greatest threats to Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Ashwin identified that Kuldeep has been bowling with confidence and rhythm, including that his means to spin the ball each methods may show decisive on a floor anticipated to deteriorate over 5 days. He additionally highlighted Washington Sundar‘s significance to the staff, describing him as a bowler able to sustaining strain via accuracy and lengthy spells whereas additionally contributing helpful runs decrease down the order.
“Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin assault towards Afghanistan within the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. He has been bowling with nice rhythm and confidence. His means to show the ball each methods and his expertise in house situations make him an enormous risk. Washington Sundar will play the supporting function. He’s extra of a defensive, containing bowler who may bat decrease down the order. His accuracy and talent to bowl lengthy spells can be helpful on a carrying monitor. Each can be key to India’s success on this Take a look at match,” mentioned Ashwin on Jio Star.
Whereas discussing India’s spin assets, Ashwin reserved particular reward for younger left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. The previous India star revealed that Dubey is the participant he’s most keen to look at in the course of the Take a look at. Ashwin mentioned he was curious to see whether or not the staff administration would hand a debut alternative to Dubey or go for fellow spinner Manav Suthar. Nonetheless, he admitted that Dubey’s latest performances have notably caught his consideration.
The 22-year-old has loved a formidable run in home cricket and additional strengthened his credentials with a productive IPL 2026 marketing campaign. In response to Ashwin, these performances have put Dubey firmly in rivalry for a spot within the aspect and will assist him earn his maiden Take a look at cap. With India trying to construct depth of their spin-bowling division, a robust displaying from Dubey may considerably enhance his prospects on the worldwide stage.
“Nonetheless, my eyes can be on Harsh Dubey. I’m curious whether or not he’ll get an opportunity. We must wait and see if the staff goes with Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey. However I’m notably concerned with Dubey due to his sturdy home season. He additionally had an excellent IPL season. These performances work in his favour. I’m wanting ahead to seeing him make his debut,” he added.
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White-ball assignments await India after Take a look at outing
The Afghanistan Take a look at can be India’s solely red-ball fixture within the speedy future earlier than consideration shifts again to limited-overs cricket. Following the conclusion of the Mullanpur conflict, the Indian staff is scheduled to enter a busy white-ball section that includes ODI and T20I commitments later within the season.
The match due to this fact presents a helpful alternative for fringe gamers and rising skills to make an enduring impression on the selectors earlier than the main target returns to shorter codecs. Children reminiscent of Harsh, if chosen, can be desperate to seize the second and strengthen their case for future alternatives.
As India put together to face Afghanistan, a lot of the eye will naturally be on established names like Kuldeep and Washington. But, if Ashwin’s evaluation proves correct, the largest speaking level from the Take a look at may effectively be the emergence of a promising new spinner in Harsh Dubey.
Additionally READ: IND vs AFG: Top 5 players to watch out for in the one-off Test ft. Gurnoor Brar
