Shubman Gill to Lead Strong India Batting Unit in Afghanistan Test Despite Non-WTC Status
India are likely to field a near full-strength batting line-up for the one-off Test against Afghanistan next month, even though the match is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Led by Shubman Gill, India will host Afghanistan in a historic Test match in New Chandigarh from June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series.
According to the Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already started workload conversations with players in contention and is satisfied with the physical condition of the batting group.That means India’s established red-ball core of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are all expected to feature in the Test.
“The initial plan was to keep monitoring the players’ workload and the medical team has not found any red flags at the moment regarding the batting group. There is still a week before the IPL playoffs picture becomes clearer but all the regular batters – KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant – are all set to take the field for the Afghanistan Test,” a source tracking developments told TOI.
“The BCCI gets regular data on player workload during the IPL and is satisfied with what it has seen so far,” the source added.
Shubman Gill’s India likely to field strong batting unit for non-WTC Afghanistan Test
The move confirms India’s massive concern over Test cricket after recent disappointments in the format. India remain the kings of white-ball cricket, winning the Champions Trophy and back-to-back T20 World Cups but there is now a clear push from Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir to stabilise the red-ball setup ahead of must-win tours of Sri Lanka and New Zealand later this year. Batting unit looks settled but the bowling attack is expected to see major rotation.
The Indian team management is likely to avoid giving their main fast bowlers and all-format players another heavy workload soon after the IPL and T20 World Cup. Despite earlier reports, Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, especially since the match does not carry any WTC points. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna remain doubtful as well, with selectors expected to make late calls based on workload reports and fitness feedback. Among pacers, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep remain sidelined due to long-term injuries too.
“The bowling group is where changes are expected, as workload management is likely to kick in. There is no point burning the bowlers out for this fixture and it is also a great opportunity for selectors to test some quicks and spinners ahead of the all-important Test series in Sri Lanka,” the source added.
The tiredness in India’s bowling attack has been clearly visible during IPL 2026. Jasprit Bumrah has gone through one of his poorest IPL seasons in terms of numbers, while Kuldeep Yadav has struggled badly to find his rhythm. Axar Patel, meanwhile, has failed to make an impact with the bat. Even Prasidh Krishna, who started IPL 2026 strongly, found himself dropped briefly by Gujarat Titans after a dip in form.
