India against will start a one-time Test Afghanistan In New Chandigarh on June 6, several young players are expected to get their chance as the team enters a new phase under the captaincy Shubman Gill. The five-day competition comes in less than a week IPL 2026 final and offers India a chance to appreciate its emerging talent in red ball cricket. Those looking to cement their place in the test rig will be firmly in the spotlight for the next generation.
Aakash Chopra announces playing XI for India for one-off Test
Former India opener Akash Chopra shared his preferred playing XI for the one-off Test, championed continuity and backed promising youngsters rather than rotating players after one match.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested this Yashasvi Jaiswal and vice-captain KL Rahul and should open the shots Sai Sudharsan Number 3 should bat. The former cricketer defended his fall Sai Sudharsan after one game, especially at a time when several young players are fighting for permanent places in the national team, it would be counterproductive.
According to Chopra, captain Gill should occupy the No. 4 position, followed by the wicketkeeper-batsman. Rishabh pants No. 5. Despite no longer serving as vice-captain, Pant remains one of India’s most experienced Test players and is expected to play a key role in leading a relatively inexperienced batting unit. Chopra included all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy At No. 6 and 7, he provides balance in the side, believing in his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
“The Indian XI could be – KL Rahul, who is now vice-captain, with Yashaswi Jaiswal and I will play Sai Sudharsan at No. 3. I want to play Sai because if I don’t play him today and if I don’t play Devdutt in his place, I will drop him the day after tomorrow because it’s been a game of captain’s chairs these days. He’s no longer vice-captain at No. 5. Then you have Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 6 and 7.” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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The bowling attack probably depends on the pitch conditions
When it comes to the bowling department, Chopra sees Kuldeep Yadav Playing alongside fast bowlers in the XI as a certainty Prasidh Krishna and Muhammad Siraj. However, he believes the final composition of the attack will largely depend on the nature of the pitch at New Chandigarh. Chopra predicted that India could make a debut Hard Dubey, Manav Suthar or Gurnoor Brar.
He explained that the team management can choose either a three-seamer strategy or three specialist spinners depending on the conditions. As a result, one of the failed players will have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at the highest level.
“Then Kuldeep Yadav. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj for sure. After that you have to look at the pitch. I feel one guy’s debut is confirmed here, whether it’s Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar or Gurnoor Brar, because you’re either going to play three fast bowlers or three open spinners,” Chopra added.
