Ravichandran Ashwin names a young Indian star he is eager to watch in the one-off Test against Afghanistan

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India are set to take on Afghanistan in a historic one-off Test match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, beginning on June 6. The encounter marks India’s return to Test cricket after a busy IPL 2026 season and offers several players an opportunity to impress in the longest format. With senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja unavailable for selection, the spotlight will be on India’s spin department as they prepare for conditions expected to assist slow bowlers as the match progresses.

Ahead of the contest, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on the team’s bowling combination and identified a young player he is particularly excited to watch if given an opportunity in the playing XI.

Speaking about India’s likely spin options, Ashwin expressed confidence in Kuldeep Yadav‘s ability 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 lineup.

Ashwin pointed out that Kuldeep has been bowling with confidence and rhythm, adding that his ability to spin the ball both ways could prove decisive on a surface expected to deteriorate over five days. He also highlighted Washington Sundar‘s importance to the team, describing him as a bowler capable of maintaining pressure through accuracy and long spells while also contributing valuable runs lower down the order.

“Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. He has been bowling with great rhythm and confidence. His ability to turn the ball both ways and his experience in home conditions make him a huge threat. Washington Sundar will play the supporting role. He is more of a defensive, containing bowler who can also bat lower down the order. His accuracy and ability to bowl long spells will be useful on a wearing track. Both will be key to India’s success in this Test match,” said Ashwin on Jio Star.

While discussing India’s spin resources, Ashwin reserved special praise for young left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. The former India star revealed that Dubey is the player he is most eager to watch during the Test. Ashwin said he was curious to see whether the team management would hand a debut opportunity to Dubey or opt for fellow spinner Manav Suthar. However, he admitted that Dubey’s recent performances have particularly caught his attention.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run in domestic cricket and further strengthened his credentials with a productive IPL 2026 campaign. According to Ashwin, those performances have put Dubey firmly in contention for a place in the side and could help him earn his maiden Test cap. With India looking to build depth in their spin-bowling department, a strong showing from Dubey could significantly boost his prospects at the international level.

“However, my eyes will be on Harsh Dubey. I am curious whether 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 also had a very good IPL season. Those performances work in his favour. I am looking forward to seeing him make his debut,” he added.

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The Afghanistan Test will be India’s only red-ball fixture in the immediate future before attention shifts back to limited-overs cricket. Following the conclusion of the Mullanpur clash, the Indian team is scheduled to enter a busy white-ball phase featuring ODI and T20I commitments later in the season.

The match therefore presents a valuable opportunity for fringe players and emerging talents to make a lasting impression on the selectors before the focus returns to shorter formats. Youngsters such as Harsh, if selected, will be eager to seize the moment and strengthen their case for future opportunities.

As India prepare to face Afghanistan, much of the attention will naturally be on established names like Kuldeep and Washington. Yet, if Ashwin’s assessment proves accurate, the biggest talking point from the Test could well be the emergence of a promising new spinner in Harsh Dubey.

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