The Indian cricket team is set to host Afghanistan for a One-off test on June 6th and the match will be hosted by PCA New Cricket Stadium, Tira. This game would be just a couple of weeks after the IPL
and there is a chance that some players may be rested. There have been reports being circulated that high-profile names like Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill could be rested. India has been increasingly focussed on the workload management of the players and players who will play the IPL playoffs, could be rested for the series.
Afghanistan had made their test debut against India in 2018 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and that was a landmark achievement for the side. The match concluded in 2 days as India displayed a dominant performance against the Afghanistan side. However, there were no celebrations from India after the match got over as they congratulated Afghanistan for their test debut. Even when India won the series trophy, they shared it along with Afghanistan and gave them a chance to be in frame for a photograph. This series could be a test of character for the visitors as they will have more experience this time around.
No risks with workload — India may rotate stars vs Afghanistan. 💥 pic.twitter.com/10jYYWlR8A
— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) April 21, 2026
WTC pressure shape India’s preparations for Afghanistan clash
The Indian test side has been undergoing a period of transition and it is visible in the results as well. India has only won one series out of the last 3 series they have played. Against England, India showed true character as they came in as an inexperienced side but battled for pride. Pundits had predicted that India would lose the test series and maybe even a whitewash as India did have talented players but it isn’t easy to play in England conditions. But they won two matches in the series to level it and Shubman Gill was praised for his improved batting and leadership. Then they played a two-match test series against the West Indies, and India won both matches by a comfortable margin.
However, India did face trouble against South Africa at home as they secured a whitewash over the home side. India was heavily criticised for the defeat and even Gautam Gambhir faced sacking allegations. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India had built a fortress in India and seldom did an away side have triumph in India. But since then, India hasn’t had the best of records as they lost to New Zealand at home, and it was another whitewash as well. India will have to improve their home records to climb up the points table in the WTC table.
India currently stand at the 6th position as they have won just 4 out of the 9 matches played and they have a winning percentage of just 48.15%. The series loss at home significantly affected the standings and now they will be hoping to generate some momentum in the upcoming games.
