India they are going to take Afghanistan In the historic one-off Test match starting on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The match marks India’s return to Test cricket after a hectic IPL 2026 season and gives several players an opportunity to make an impression in the longest format. With a great all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for selection, the focus will be on India’s spin department as they prepare for conditions that will help the slow bowlers as the match progresses.
Ahead of the competition, the former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on the team’s bowling combination and identified a young player he would be excited to watch if given the opportunity in his playing XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks the star he is excited to watch in the Test one-off
Talking about India’s likely spin options, Ashwin expressed confidence Kuldeep YadavAbility to shoulder the responsibility in Jadeja’s absence. The veteran off-spinner believes Kuldeep’s recent form and experience in Indian conditions make him one of the biggest threats to Afghanistan’s batting.
Ashwin pointed out that Kuldeep bowled with confidence and rhythm, adding that his ability to spin the ball both ways could be crucial on a surface that is expected to deteriorate over five days. He also emphasized Washington Sundar‘s importance to the team, describing him as a bowler who can maintain pressure through accuracy and long spells, while also contributing low-value runs in the order.
“Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. He has bowled with great pace and confidence. His ability to turn the ball both ways and his experience in home conditions make him a big threat. Washington Sundar will play a supporting role. He is more defensive and is a lower and long rifle player. Both will be key to India’s success in this test match. Ashwin said on Jio Star.
While discussing India’s spin resources, Ashwin had special praise for the young left-arm spinner Tough Dubey. The former India star revealed that Dubey was the player he most wanted to watch during the Test. Ashwin said he is interested to see whether the team management will give Dubey a debut opportunity or choose another spinner. Manav Suthar. However, he admitted that Dubey’s recent performances particularly caught his attention.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run in domestic cricket and further enhanced his credentials with a prolific IPL 2026 campaign. According to Ashwin, these performances have put Dubey in a strong fight for a place in the side and could help him earn his first Test cap. With India looking to build depth in the spin bowling department, a strong showing from Dubey could boost his prospects at the international level considerably.
“But I will have my eyes on Harsh Dubey. I wonder if he will get a chance. We will have to wait and see if the team goes with Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey. But I am particularly interested in Dubey because of his strong domestic season. He has also had a very good IPL season. These performances are working in his favour. I am looking forward to his debut,” he added.
White ball tasks await India after the Test tour
The Afghanistan Test will be India’s only red ball game for the foreseeable future. With the Mullanpur clash over, the Indian team has to enter the white-ball phase, busy with ODI and T20I commitments at the end of the season.
The match therefore provides a valuable opportunity for outside players and new talent to make a lasting impression on the selectors, before the focus shifts back to the shorter formats. Youngsters like Harsh, if elected, will be eager to seize the moment and strengthen their case for future opportunities.
As India prepare to face Afghanistan, much of the focus will naturally be on established names like Kuldeep and Washington. However, if Ashwin’s assessment is correct, the biggest talk from the Test could be the emergence of a promising new spinner in Harsh Dubey.
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