Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi highlighted the importance of playing more Test cricket matches to further develop their skills before their upcoming one-off game against India. Since gaining Test status in 2018, Afghanistan has participated in 12 matches in the format, with their last game in October 2025 resulting in a loss to Zimbabwe.
Shahidi acknowledged the growth in experience his team has gained over the years but expressed the necessity for more Test opportunities to enhance their red-ball cricket proficiency. Despite a solid domestic first-class structure, he stressed the significance of regular Test engagements for the players’ development.
During a press conference, Shahidi mentioned the team’s preparation in Jalalabad, where they acclimatized to the challenges of Test cricket and extreme weather conditions. He highlighted the team’s capability, citing instances of individual successes like double centuries scored by players, demonstrating their aptitude in the longer format.
Facing the formidable Indian team poses a significant challenge for Afghanistan, with Shahidi expressing respect for the Indian players’ talent while emphasizing his desire for his team to perform well. He underlined the team’s readiness and determination to compete against India in the upcoming match.
