Spin great Anil Kumble has amped up the excitement for India’s upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan with his preferred playing XI. The former Indian head coach has backed some young players and made some bold selection calls that may surprise many fans.
After more than two months of T20 action ipl 2026India’s attention has not been focused on its busy international schedule. The India national cricket team is all set to host Afghanistan in the one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6, which will be followed by a three-match ODI series.
Anil Kumble reveals Bold India XI for Afghanistan Test
Before the start of the season, Anil Kumble He suggested fielding two spinners in Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir against the Afghanistan team in the one-off Test. But then the veteran spinner surprised many by choosing young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar in place of Prasidh Krishna for the upcoming Test match.
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He urged the team management to trust Brar and play him along with in-form Mohammed Siraj as the two specialist fast bowlers against Afghanistan. The commentator has strongly backed Nitish Kumar Reddy to play as an all-rounder in the upcoming one-off Test in New Chandigarh.
Anil Kumble favors Gurnoor Brar over Prasidh Krishna for IND vs AFG Test
“Definitely two spinners. One of them, Harsh Dubey and then Kuldeep. There is Kuldeep. So, you have to pick Kuldeep before anyone else. So, you pick Kuldeep and Harsh Dubey As two spinners. I think Nitish Kumar Reddy will play. The problem has been that he has been the fourth bowler and the captain does not even look at him.
The former Indian head coach said, “If he is the third bowler, hopefully he gets some bowling as well. That’s something you need to look at. It can’t just be about his batting. He is an all-rounder. So, look at him as a bowler too. If Gurnoor has been selected, there is a reason to play him. If it means Prasidh misses out, he misses out unfortunately. He gets a break, and Siraj plays.”
Anil Kumble dropped Dhruv Jurel in place of Washington Sundar and favored Devdutt Padikkal to bat at number three.
The surprising thing is that even Kumble ignored it. Dhruv Jurel Despite his strong performance in whites. He wants the hosts to play Washington Sundar at No. 6 as the off-spinner also provides an additional bowling option. He also gave his opinion on the team’s long-standing number 3 problem.
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Cricket pundits have pointed out that since Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement, many players have been tried for the number three position, but no one has completely occupied the spot. Now, Kumble feels that Devdutt Padikkal should get a chance at No. 3 because of his performances for Karnataka in domestic cricket and his ability to handle pressure.
Kumble said, “I think maybe Devdutt Padikkal is at number 3. I would like to see him. He has played at this number in Australia and has scored half-centuries. He has done well in domestic cricket. Maybe Devdutt Padikkal should be tested at number 3.”
Anil Kumble’s Indian XI for Afghanistan Test:
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj.