India ready to take afghanistan In the historic one-off Test match starting on June 6 at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The match marks India’s return to Test cricket after a busy IPL 2026 season and provides an opportunity for many players to impress in the longest format. with senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja With him unavailable for selection, the focus will be on India’s spin department as they prepare for conditions that will help the slower bowlers as the match progresses.
Before the competition, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin He shared his thoughts on the team’s bowling combination and identified one young player who he is particularly excited to see if he gets a chance in the playing XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks one star he is excited to see in the one-off Test
Speaking about India’s possible spin options, Ashwin expressed confidence -Kuldeep YadavAbility to take responsibility in Jadeja’s absence. The experienced off-spinner believes that Kuldeep’s recent form and experience in Indian conditions makes him one of the biggest threats to Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Ashwin pointed out that Kuldeep was bowling with confidence and rhythm, adding that his ability to spin the ball both ways could prove decisive on a surface that will deteriorate over the course of five days. He also highlighted washington beautifulExplaining his importance to the team, he described him as a bowler who is capable of maintaining pressure through accuracy and long spells while also contributing valuable runs down the order.
“Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack against Afghanistan in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. He is bowling with great rhythm and confidence. His ability to turn the ball both ways and his experience in home conditions make him a big threat. Washington Sundar will play a supporting role. He is more defensive, a bowler who can also bat lower down the order. His accuracy and ability to bowl long spells will be useful on poor tracks. Both will be crucial for India’s success in this Test match.” Ashwin said on Geo Star.
Discussing India’s spin resources, Ashwin had special praise for the young left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. The former Indian star revealed that Dubey is the player he most looks forward to watching during the Tests. Ashwin said he is curious to see whether the team management will give Dubey a chance to debut or choose a fellow spinner human improvement. However, he admitted that Dubey’s recent performance has particularly caught his attention.
The 22-year-old player has performed brilliantly in domestic cricket and has further strengthened his credentials with the successful IPL 2026 campaign. According to Ashwin, those performances have firmly placed Dubey in contention for a place in the team and could help him earn his maiden Test cap. With India looking to add depth to its spin-bowling department, Dubey’s strong performance could significantly boost his chances at the international level.
“However, I will be eyeing Harsh Dubey. I am curious if he will get a chance. We will have to wait and see whether the team goes with Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey. But I am particularly interested in Dubey because he has had a good domestic season. He also had a very good IPL season. These performances go in his favour. I am looking forward to seeing him make his debut.” He added.
White ball assignment awaits India after test outing
The Afghanistan Test will be India’s only red-ball match in the immediate future before the focus shifts to limited-overs cricket. Following the conclusion of the Mullanpur encounter, the Indian team is set to enter a busy white-ball phase with ODI and T20I commitments at the end of the season.
This match therefore presents a valuable opportunity for fringe players and emerging talent to make a lasting impression on the selectors before turning their attention to the shorter formats. If youngsters like Harsh are elected, they will be eager to seize this moment and strengthen their case for future opportunities.
As India prepares to face Afghanistan, naturally much of the focus will be on established names like Kuldeep and Washington. Still, if Ashwin’s assessment proves accurate, the biggest talking point of the Test could be the emergence of a promising new spinner in the form of Harsh Dubey.
Also read: IND vs AFG: Top 5 players to keep an eye on in the one-off Test, ft Gurnoor Brar
