India will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test in Mullanpur, starting June 6.
India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan is all set to get underway on Saturday (June 6) in Mullanpur. While the fixture isn’t part of the ongoing WTC cycle, skipper Shubman Gill made it clear that the occasion provides a crucial opportunity for the team to gel, fine-tune their technique, and build much-needed momentum.
Speaking in a video released by the BCCI, Gill expressed that doing well in Tests brings the highest level of personal satisfaction, cherishing the traditional "OG" way of playing the sport.
"For me, this is the most satisfying format. If you do well in this format, that's how I feel most good about myself. The feel of wearing the whites, wearing the baggy cap. Nothing beats that, it's the traditional way, the OG way of playing cricket," Gill said.
Transitioning from fast-paced T20 leagues to the demands of Test matches is recognized as one of the most challenging mental adjustments for modern cricketers.
Gill acknowledged that the transition is far from straightforward as India face Afghanistan days after the end of the IPL 2026 season.
"The weather is very different. You play T20 at night and now it's almost 40 degrees so there's a lot of mental challenges that comes into play. And apart from all the technicalities you have to change, adapting for this format especially is why the format is so great and gives you so much respect around the world," he explained.
The selection committee has rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for this solitary Test match. Uncapped players like Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, and Harsh Dubey have received maiden Test call-ups.
Gill expresses strong confidence in the emerging generation of Indian cricketers, highlighting their hard work, talent, and potential to serve the national team for a long time.
"I have played with most of them in the Indian setup and whenever we have had a series, be it abroad or in tour games, they have shown they are very exciting young talents. Hopefully they are going to represent, work hard and serve the country for a very long time."
The Punjab lad also reflected on the immense pride of captaining the Indian cricket team, particularly because the match is taking place at his home ground where he grew up playing.
"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."
While the hosts are tipped as favourites, Gill was quick to dismiss suggestions that Afghanistan should be underestimated.
"I remember the Test we played against them and the journey that they have had from there. Playing a World Cup semi-final, a T20 World Cup semi-final, they have done really well in all the ICC tournaments. The kind of talent that they have, they are not a lesser opposition for us. They have got really good talent, they are an amazing team and it's going to be a very interesting Test match."
Gill reckons the challenge could prove crucial in helping India prepare for what lies ahead. India have nine Tests remaining in the current WTC cycle, and they need to win at least seven of them to qualify for the final.
"We've got a very exciting opportunity to play this Test match and then we've got nine Tests before the WTC final. So this Test match is very important for us for preparation."