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India<\/strong> will begin their one-off Test against Afghanistan<\/strong> on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with several young players expected to get an opportunity as the team enters a new phase under captain Shubman Gill<\/strong><\/a>. The five-day contest comes less than a week after the IPL 2026<\/strong> final and offers India a chance to assess its emerging talent in red-ball cricket. The spotlight will firmly be on the next generation as they look to cement their places in the Test setup.<\/p>\n Former India opener Aakash Chopra<\/strong> has shared his preferred playing XI for the one-off Test, advocating continuity and backing promising youngsters rather than rotating players after a single match.<\/p>\n Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal<\/strong> and vice-captain KL Rahul<\/strong> <\/a>should open the innings, while Sai Sudharsan<\/strong> should bat at No. 3. The former cricketer argued that dropping Sai Sudharsan<\/strong> after one game would be counterproductive, especially at a time when several young players are fighting for permanent spots in the national side.<\/p>\n According to Chopra, captain Gill should occupy the No. 4 position, followed by wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant<\/strong> at No. 5. Despite no longer serving as vice-captain, Pant remains one of India\u2019s most experienced Test performers and is expected to play a key role in guiding the relatively inexperienced batting unit. Chopra also included all-rounders Washington Sundar<\/strong> and Nitish Kumar Reddy<\/strong> at Nos. 6 and 7, believing their ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides balance to the side.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Indian XI could be like this \u2013 Yashasvi Jaiswal with KL Rahul, who is now the vice-captain, and I will play Sai Sudharsan at No. 3. I want to play Sai because if I don\u2019t play him today and play Devdutt instead, I would drop him the day after tomorrow, as it\u2019s been a game of musical chairs these days. Captain Gill at No. 4, and Rishabh Pant, who is no longer the vice-captain, at No. 5. Then at No. 6 and No. 7, you will find Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy,\u201d<\/em> Chopra said on his YouTube channel.<\/p>\n Also READ: Fans erupt as KS Bharat announces retirement from international cricket<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes to the bowling department, Chopra sees Kuldeep Yadav<\/strong> as a certainty in the playing XI alongside fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna<\/strong> and Mohammed Siraj<\/strong>. However, he believes the final composition of the attack will largely depend on the nature of the pitch in New Chandigarh. Chopra predicted that India could hand a debut to one among Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar<\/strong> or Gurnoor Brar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n He explained that the team management may choose either a three-seamer strategy or opt for three specialist spinners depending on conditions. As a result, one of the uncapped players is likely to receive an opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level.<\/p>\n \u201cThen Kuldeep Yadav. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are certain. After that, you have to see the pitch. I feel one guy\u2019s debut is confirmed here, whether it\u2019s Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, or Gurnoor Brar, because you will either play with three fast bowlers or three outright spinners,\u201d<\/em> Chopra added.<\/p>\nAakash Chopra reveals his India playing XI for one-off Test<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Bowling attack likely to depend on pitch conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n