Overview
- India named a 15‑player Test squad and confirmed a one‑off Test in Mullanpur starting Saturday, June 6, with the match to run June 6–10 at New Chandigarh.
- Head coach Gautam Gambhir said on Friday that Sai Sudharsan will keep the No.3 spot and be given an extended run to establish himself in Test cricket.
- Kuldeep Yadav has been elevated as India’s lead spinner after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement and Ravindra Jadeja’s rest, and he reported extended red‑ball practice to recover rhythm after the IPL.
- One of two uncapped left‑arm spin allrounders, Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar, is likely to make his Test debut as India balance two seamers with three spin options.
- Rishabh Pant has been relieved of the Test vice‑captaincy with KL Rahul named deputy, Afghanistan have rested Rashid Khan for the Test but kept him for the ODIs, and the BCCI will meet to name Kohli’s replacement for the white‑ball leg.