India decided to bat after winning the toss in their one-off Test match against Afghanistan on Saturday in New Chandigarh. The match is special for Rajasthan all-rounder Manav Suthar, who has earned his maiden Test cap after impressive domestic performances. His inclusion will strengthen India’s spin and lower-order depth. The rest of the Indian XI features no major surprises.
At the top of the order, B Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal continue to hold their places. India’s spin attack is led by Kuldeep Yadav, who is expected to play a central role. He will be helped by the all-round spin options of debutant Manav Suthar and Washington Sundar. Meanwhile, the match also marks a historic moment for the venue, as New Chandigarh hosts its first-ever Test match.
India playing XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Afghanistan playing XI: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Saleem Safi