India vs. Afghanistan: Gill's Toss Triumph Sets Stage for Test Showdown

Indian captain Shubman Gill opted to bat first against Afghanistan in the Test match at New Chandigarh's Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The match occurs shortly after IPL 2026. Both teams last played a single Test in 2018, where India won dominantly.

In a strategic move, Indian skipper Shubman Gill decided to bat first against Afghanistan in the much-anticipated One-off Test on Saturday, hosted at the newly minted Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The showdown arrives hot on the heels of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final.

The two teams previously faced off in a solitary Test back in 2018, with India clinching victory in a mere two days by an innings and 262 runs. 'We are gonna bat first,' Gill announced decisively, noting the challenging hot and humid conditions that are expected to affect the pitch. Reflecting on the honor of captaining in his home territory, Gill expressed readiness, bolstered by solid preparation and a well-rested squad. Test series on the horizon, beginning with debutant Manav Suthar's inclusion in the lineup.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi shared a similar sentiment about batting first, appreciating the favorable wicket condition. Acknowledging their readiness from a productive training camp in Kabul, Shahidi highlighted their strategic combination of three seamers and two spinners and introduced debutant Nangeyalia Kharote.