Aakash Chopra reveals his preferred India XI for the one-off Test against Afghanistan

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India will begin their one-off Test against Afghanistan on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with several young players expected to get an opportunity as the team enters a new phase under captain Shubman Gill. The five-day contest comes less than a week after the IPL 2026 final and offers India a chance to assess its emerging talent in red-ball cricket. The spotlight will firmly be on the next generation as they look to cement their places in the Test setup.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his preferred playing XI for the one-off Test, advocating continuity and backing promising youngsters rather than rotating players after a single match.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal and vice-captain KL Rahul should open the innings, while Sai Sudharsan should bat at No. 3. The former cricketer argued that dropping Sai Sudharsan after one game would be counterproductive, especially at a time when several young players are fighting for permanent spots in the national side.

According to Chopra, captain Gill should occupy the No. 4 position, followed by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant at No. 5. Despite no longer serving as vice-captain, Pant remains one of India’s most experienced Test performers and is expected to play a key role in guiding the relatively inexperienced batting unit. Chopra also included all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy at Nos. 6 and 7, believing their ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides balance to the side.

“The Indian XI could be like this – Yashasvi Jaiswal with KL Rahul, who is now the vice-captain, and I will play Sai Sudharsan at No. 3. I want to play Sai because if I don’t play him today and play Devdutt instead, I would drop him the day after tomorrow, as it’s been a game of musical chairs these days. Captain Gill at No. 4, and Rishabh Pant, who is no longer the vice-captain, at No. 5. Then at No. 6 and No. 7, you will find Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

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When it comes to the bowling department, Chopra sees Kuldeep Yadav as a certainty in the playing XI alongside fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj. However, he believes the final composition of the attack will largely depend on the nature of the pitch in New Chandigarh. Chopra predicted that India could hand a debut to one among Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar or Gurnoor Brar.

He explained that the team management may choose either a three-seamer strategy or opt for three specialist spinners depending on conditions. As a result, one of the uncapped players is likely to receive an opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level.

“Then Kuldeep Yadav. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are certain. After that, you have to see the pitch. I feel one guy’s debut is confirmed here, whether it’s Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, or Gurnoor Brar, because you will either play with three fast bowlers or three outright spinners,” Chopra added.

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