India set to field full-strength batting unit for Afghanistan Test despite no WTC points

India are set to field a near full-strength batting line-up for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan despite the match not being part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The historic Test will begin on June 6 in New Chandigarh, followed by a three-match ODI series.

According to a report by the Times of India, the BCCI and team management have already started workload discussions with players and are satisfied with the fitness condition of the batting group. As a result, India’s core red-ball batters — KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant — are all expected to feature in the Test.

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“The medical team has not found any major concerns regarding the batting group. All the regular batters are set to play against Afghanistan,” a source tracking developments told TOI.

The decision highlights India’s renewed focus on Test cricket following recent struggles in the longest format. While India continue to dominate white-ball cricket after winning the Champions Trophy and consecutive T20 World Cups, the management under Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir is keen to stabilise the Test side before important tours later this year.

However, the bowling department is likely to witness significant rotation. Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature as selectors aim to carefully manage workloads after a long IPL and T20 World Cup season. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also remain doubtful, while Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are currently sidelined with injuries.

Selectors are expected to use the Afghanistan Test to assess backup pacers and spinners ahead of crucial overseas assignments. With only a week separating the IPL final and the Test match, workload management remains a top priority for India’s think tank.

Afghanistan Tour of India 2026 Schedule