Former Indian skipper and legendary spin bowler Anil Kumble revealed his prediction on Team India’s playing XI combination for the forthcoming one-off test against Afghanistan.
The red-ball series will commence on June 06, 2026, at the MYSIC (Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket) Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
This forthcoming multi-format series at home marks the first international assignment for India after the T20 World Cup 2026 and the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
After eight years, Afghanistan will play a test match on Indian soil, their last appearance having come in June 2018.
Opening Combination: Yashasvi Jaiswal & KL Rahul
As expected, Kumble preferred the routine opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. The duo batters can add composure and aggression to their innings by maintaining stable partnerships.
Jaiswal’s fearless approach has often helped him to convert his starts into high scores. Rahul’s experience and flexibility to bat at any order make him the best choice as an opener.
Both these batters are expected to provide a solid start against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack, particularly against spinners.
The No.3 Dilemma: Devdutt Padikkal, The Best Choice or Not?
Devdutt Padikkal was at his peak form when he batted at the No.3 position for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the recently concluded IPL 2026.
The 25-year-old promises to add stability to the No.3 slot in tests, a void left after Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement.
Explosive Middle Order: Gill & Pant
Indian test skipper Shubman Gill was impressive with his form at the No.4 batting slot during the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025. His presence promises to fill the void at the fourth position left after Virat Kohli retires from the longest format.
The aggressive batting style of Rishabh Pant at the No.5 position opens a new dimension to India’s batting line-up. The southpaw can change the course of the game with his quickfire knocks and attacking intent right from the first ball.
The duo specialist batters can exhibit a mix of attacking and defensive batting styles, controlled temperament, and accelerate the innings based on the game situation.
Reliable All-Rounders: Washington, Nitish, & Harsh
Anil Kumble’s playing XI features multiple all-rounders. While Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey can add balance to the squad as left-handed batters and spinners, Nitish Kumar Reddy is the sole pace bowling all-rounder.
The trio of all-rounders adds depth to India’s lower order as well as maintains a proper balance in the bowling attack.
Strong Bowling Attack: Brar, Kuldeep & Siraj
Anil Kumble’s bowling line-up features three core specialist bowlers. The pace bowling attack spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj adds immense experience and intensity. Gurnoor Brar opens a new dimension with his ability to generate huge bounce and pace with his deliveries, promising to be a back-up pacer for Siraj.
Kuldeep Yadav, the master of wrist spin bowling, makes him the favorite to lead the spin bowling attack alongside Sundar and Dubey.
The combination of Kuldeep, Siraj, and Brar adds fuel power to India’s bowling attack, bolstering the wicket-taking options in the longest format.
Notable Omissions From Kumble’s Predicted Playing XI
Here are the four notable exclusions from Anil Kumble’s predictions on India’s playing XI for the one-off test against Afghanistan:
- Sai Sudharsan: Left-Handed Batsman
- Dhruv Jurel: Right-Handed Batters and Wicketkeeper
- Manav Suthar: Spin Bowling All-Rounder (Left-Handed Batsman and Orthodox Spinner)
- Prasidh Krishna: Fast Bowler
Sai Sudharsan, who was the third leading run scorer in the IPL 2026 (722 runs in 17 matches), couldn’t find a spot in Kumble’s predicted line-up.
Likewise, Dhruv Jurel, who exhibited a remarkable consistency by anchoring the innings for Rajasthan Royals, was one of the top run scorers of the league (515 runs in 16 innings). Despite boasting impressive wicketkeeping skills, Rishabh Pant was given special preference for his dynamic batting approach in red-ball cricket.
Prasidh Krishna, who was one of the core performers in the Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit (16 wickets in 12 matches), found no place in India’s pace bowling attack. Rather, Kumble hoped the uncapped player Gurnoor Brar would earn a spot in the playing XI and earn his memorable international debut.
As expected, Manav Suthar is unlikely to earn his place in India’s main XI with Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey emerging as the core spin bowling all-rounders in the squad.
Overall List: Anil Kumble’s Predicted Playing XI for India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Left-Handed Batsman
- KL Rahul: Right-Handed Batsman (Back-up Wicketkeeper)
- Devdutt Padikkal: Left-Handed Batsman
- Shubman Gill (Captain): Right-Handed Batsman
- Rishabh Pant: Left-Handed Batsman and Wicketkeeper
- Washington Sundar: Spin Bowling All-Rounder (Left-Handed Batsman and Spin Bowler)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: Fast Bowling All-Rounder (Right-Handed Batsman and Fast Bowler)
- Harsh Dubey: Spin Bowling All-Rounder (Left-Handed Batsman and Spin Bowler)
- Gurnoor Brar: Fast Bowler
- Kuldeep Yadav: Spin Bowler
Mohammed Siraj: Fast Bowler