Shubman Gill, India’s Test captain, is set to lead the national team in a one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, starting June 6, 2026. This match marks a significant milestone for both Gill and Indian cricket, as it is the first Test to be held in Mullanpur and the first Test match for India since their home series defeat to South Africa last year. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan/watch-team-india-arrives-in-new-chandigarh-ahead-of-their-one-off-test-against-afghanistan/articleshow/131466141.cms?utm_source=openai))
**A Historic Venue**
The Punjab Cricket Association’s (PCA) stadium in Mullanpur is set to host its inaugural Test match, making it the third venue in Punjab, after Mohali and Jalandhar, to do so. The match is scheduled from June 6 to 10, 2026, and is expected to draw significant attention, especially with local talent like Shubman Gill leading the team. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/mullanpur-to-host-maiden-test-as-india-face-afghanistan/articleshow/131516019.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Shubman Gill’s Leadership**
For Shubman Gill, captaining India in front of his home crowd is a momentous occasion. Reflecting on this opportunity, Gill expressed, “To be able to lead my country, I always dreamt about playing for the country, let alone leading the country. It’s a very big privilege for me to do it here in front of my home ground where I grew up playing.”
Gill’s leadership has been commendable, especially during India’s recent tour of England, where he led the side in a Test series for the first time. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised Gill’s performance, stating, “Shubman Gill had a fantastic series in England. As soon as he was made captain, he went there and delivered, both with the bat and with his leadership.” ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan/his-success-will-redefine-test-team-ashwin-sees-shubman-gill-as-indias-future-in-red-ball-cricket/articleshow/131503818.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Team Preparations**
The Indian squad arrived in New Chandigarh ahead of the Test match, with players like vice-captain KL Rahul, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy seen with the team. The team has been training intensively, adapting to the demands of red-ball cricket after the conclusion of IPL 2026. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan/watch-team-india-arrives-in-new-chandigarh-ahead-of-their-one-off-test-against-afghanistan/articleshow/131466141.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Afghanistan’s Challenge**
Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, faces a challenging outing, especially in the absence of key players like Rashid Khan. Their last Test appearance against India was in 2018, making this only the second meeting between the two sides in the longer format. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/mullanpur-to-host-maiden-test-as-india-face-afghanistan/articleshow/131516019.cms?utm_source=openai))
**Looking Ahead**
As the match approaches, both teams are focused on their preparations. For India, this Test serves as an opportunity to regain confidence in the longest format of the game. For Afghanistan, it is a chance to showcase their growth and competitiveness on the international stage.
The Mullanpur Test is poised to be a historic and exciting encounter, with Shubman Gill’s leadership and the unique venue adding to the anticipation.
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