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The upcoming one-off Test between India and Afghanistan has created a lot of excitement among cricket fans. This preview includes toss predictions, probable playing XI, pitch conditions and key players who can influence the outcome of the match.
India will be keen to make a strong start in the upcoming Test season. With many senior players unavailable, this match presents an opportunity for the younger players to make their mark.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan will look to test themselves against one of the strongest teams in world cricket. Despite limited experience in the longest format, they will be determined to put in a competitive performance and challenge the hosts in Mullanpur.
India vs Afghanistan one-off Test match prediction: Who will win?
India will go into the one-off Test as clear favourites. The hosts have a strong batting lineup, quality spin options and greater depth in both departments. Even without many senior players, India have enough experience and talent to control the match in home conditions.
Afghanistan will face a tough challenge against one of the strongest Test teams in the world. The visiting team also does not have key bowlers Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, due to which their attack has become weak. His limited experience in five-day cricket can also prove costly during the match.
With a superior team and an excellent home record, India are expected to dominate the contest from the early stages and secure an easy win.
india vs afg one off test match details
The one-off Test is part of India’s Afghanistan tour 2026. The five-day match will be played at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh from Saturday, June 6.
The match will start at 9:30 AM IST, while the toss will take place at 9:00 AM IST. Both teams will be eager to make an impact in the red ball encounter.
India vs Afghanistan one-off Test pitch report and conditions
A balanced contest between bat and ball is expected on the pitch of Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The black clay surface should provide good bounce and carry at the start of the match, giving the fast bowlers a chance to make an impact with the new ball.
Batting conditions are likely to improve as the game progresses. However, the surface is expected to become slower over time, allowing spinners to be brought into play and provide more turn and grip during the latter stages of the Test.
India vs Afghanistan One-Off Test Weather Report
The weather in Mullanpur is expected to be hot and mostly dry on the opening day of the Test. The temperature may reach up to 38 degrees Celsius during the afternoon, while the humidity is likely to hover around 32%.
There is a possibility of rain and thundershowers during the morning, but the forecast suggests conditions will improve as the day progresses. Sunny and hazy weather is expected for most of the match, with rain unlikely to cause any major disruption after the opening hours.
India vs Afghanistan One-Off Test Head-to-Head Record
India and Afghanistan have faced each other only once in Test cricket. This match took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in June 2018.
India dominated the match and won by an innings and 262 runs. After scoring 474 runs in its first innings, India bowled out Afghanistan for 109 and 103 runs.
India vs Afghanistan one off test probable playing XI
India’s probable playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Afghanistan’s probable playing XI: Rehmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Umarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmed, Bilal Sami, Salim Safi.
India vs Afghanistan One-Off Test Form and Fitness Updates
India has not played much red-ball cricket recently. Shubman Gill will lead the team, while KL Rahul will also enter the match after a strong IPL 2026 campaign.
Afghanistan has suffered a big blow with Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rehman not being available for the Test. Their last red-ball innings ended in an innings defeat to Zimbabwe, and they will need a better performance to challenge India.
India vs Afghanistan one-sided test toss prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. It is expected that the pitch will offer excellent batting conditions in the beginning of the match, but later the pitch will slow down and help the spinners.
Key players to watch in India vs Afghanistan one-off Test
India
Shubman Gill: The India captain has been in great form in 2025 after scoring 983 runs in nine Test matches at an average of 70.21.
KL Rahul: The experienced opener provides stability at the top and will be key in helping India post a strong score in the first innings.
Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist spinner has taken 76 Test wickets at an average of 22.42 and can be a major threat on turning pitches.
afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The aggressive opener can change the game quickly and will be key to Afghanistan’s chances at the top of the order.
Rahmat Shah: Afghanistan’s leading Test run-scorer has experience and will be responsible for handling the batting lineup.
Qais Ahmed: The leg spinner will lead Afghanistan’s spin attack and could play a vital role if the pitch starts turning.
India vs Afghanistan One-Off Test Best Batsman Prediction
India-Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is the top choice for India’s best batsman in this Test. The India captain enjoyed a brilliant 2025, scoring 983 runs at an average of 70.21 in nine Test matches. He would like to continue that form and play a leading role with the bat against Afghanistan.
Afghanistan – Rahmat Shah
Rahmat Shah is the best batting option for Afghanistan before the match. He is the country’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, with 970 runs in 11 matches at an average of 46.19. Afghanistan will rely on their experience and technique to handle India’s bowling attack.
India vs Afghanistan One-off Test Best Bowler Prediction
India-Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is the leading candidate for India’s best bowler. The left-arm wrist spinner has taken 76 Test wickets at an average of 22.42. If the pitch starts supporting spin then Kuldeep can play an important role in making a dent in Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan – Qais Ahmed
Qais Ahmed is Afghanistan’s best bowling option for this Test. The leg spinner has shown strong potential in red-ball cricket and will lead Afghanistan’s spin attack in the absence of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
India vs Afghanistan likely to win the only test
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India: 85%
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Afghanistan: 15%
India vs Afghanistan one-off test match prediction: final verdict
It is expected that India will win the one-off test easily. Shubman Gill will be important at the top of the order, while Kuldeep Yadav can prove to be decisive with the ball. If India plays to its potential, it will have to ensure victory before the last day.
Also read: Krunal Pandya dedicates RCB’s IPL 2026 title to fans and victims of last year’s tragedy
