Less than a week after the IPL 2026, Shubman Gill’s India is set to play Afghanistan in a one-off Test at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh starting Saturday. Although not part of the World Test Championship, India is approaching this match with full seriousness.
This Test marks India’s return to traditional cricket after the IPL frenzy, posing a challenge for players transitioning from T20 to Test cricket. With key players like Jadeja rested and Ashwin retired, India faces a significant lineup change.
Gautam Gambhir emphasizes the importance of this Test, dismissing notions that it holds less value outside the World Test Championship. The match is crucial for India’s team management, with young talents like Sai Sudharsan and milestone achievements for players like Rishabh Pant.
The New PCA Stadium, previously an IPL venue, now gears up for its first Test match, adding to the significance of the event. Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, aims to showcase their progress since their first Test against India in 2018, with Rahmat Shah eyeing a milestone of 1,000 Test runs.
