India are set to take on Afghanistan in the only Test match which is set to begin on June 6th and will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. This is a crucial match and on the eve of the Test match, Indian coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media and dropped plenty of hints as to what the Indian lineup might look like in the upcoming match. In this article we take a look at India’s Likely Playing XI for the Afghanistan match.

1.Yashasvi Jaiswal

The left hand batter will slot straight into the team and there is no question regarding his place. He has been in very good form for India in this WTC cycle and will be keen to get back in the groove as plenty of tougher challenges await him

2. KL Rahul

One of the most consistent batter in the last year or so for India, KL Rahul will open the batting along with Jaiswal. The duo have formed a very good partnership at the top and they are likely to continue.

3.Sai Sudharsan

There were plenty of questions as to who will bat at Number 3 for India and with Padikkal being in sensational form there were plenty of rumours. However Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Sai Sudharsan for this spot. Gambhir said at the eve of the match that Sai will get an extrended run. He was in great form in the IPL and will look to carry it in this series.

4.Shubman Gill – Captain

Indian Test captain Shubman Gill will bat at Number 4. He has been prolific with the bat ever since taking duties as the captain.

5.Rishabh Pant – Wicket-Keeper

Rishabh Pant will be the Number 1 choice wicket-keeper for India and he is set to bat at 5. There will be plenty of responsibility for him to put up a good show.

6. Nitish Kumar Reddy

The pace bowling all-rounder will slot in at six and he will be keen to deliver a good performance with both bat and ball.

7.Washington Sundar

Sundar has established himself in the Test circuit and as the lone off-spinner in the side he will have a major role to play in this game.

8. Harsh Dubey

Left arm spinner Harsh Dubey is likely to make his debut for Team India. Indian head coach Gambhir kept the option open for both Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey but going by the practice sessions it is likely that Harsh will be getting the nod.

9.Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav will the lead spinner for India in this match and he had a good series against South Africa the last time he played at home.

10. Mohammad Siraj

In the absence of Bumrah, it will be Mohammad Siraj who will lead the pace bowling attack for India.

11. Prasidh Krishna

The pacer from Karnataka is likely to be the second pacer in the side edging out Gurnoor Brar.

This is a crucial series for India as they will be having tougher assignments in Sri Lanka and New Zealand later this year. They have a young side and this series against Afghanistan will be good for boosting the confidence of these players.