Published on: Jun 5, 2026 12:35 pm IST | Updated on: Jun 5, 2026 12:35 pm IST
The IPL is done, which means Indian cricket is back. Team India is set to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test followed by 3 ODIs in the month of June. The only Test will be played at India’s newest Test venue in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, and Team India will look to make the most of their post-IPL assignment. The hosts will start as the favorites, whereas the visitors, Afghanistan, will be hoping to put up a spirited fight to spring a surprise if they can. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the only Test match, IND vs AFG, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
The win probability meter in this game should lean in favor of the Indians. Yes, their recent run at home in the red ball has been disastrous, as they were clean swept 2-0 by South Africa. Afghanistan isn’t a major threat in red-ball cricket, and India should back themselves to overcome their recent debacles in Test match cricket. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor the host team, India. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the Only Test match, IND vs AFG at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
IND: 92% win chance AFG: 8% win chance
KL Rahul was in spectacular form for the Delhi Capitals in the recently concluded IPL 2026. In his last 10 Test matches, KL has amassed 813 runs averaging 45.17. India's new vice-captain will be a key bet at the top.
The Indian skipper will be batting at no 4. Fresh off a brilliant run in the recently concluded IPL for GT, Shubman has been the form batter of Team India in recent times in red ball cricket, He has amassed 983 runs at a whopping average of 70 in his last 9 Test matches.
Rahmat Shah is one of the most experienced batters of Afghanistan in red ball cricket. He will be batting at no. 3 and has been in terrific form in recent times, having scored 778 runs in his last 9 Test matches at a scintillating average of 45.76.
The left-hander is expected to open the innings for Afghanistan in this Test match. He is one of the dependable batters for Afghanistan and will be a key bet at the top.
Check out our prediction for the IND vs SA Only Test match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullapur, New Chandigarh.
Team India will host Afghanistan in June for a one‑off Test followed by three ODIs, with the historic Test scheduled at India’s newest venue in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Despite a disappointing 2–0 home defeat against South Africa earlier this year, India will enter this contest as overwhelming favorites.
Afghanistan, though spirited in limited-overs formats, remains inexperienced in red‑ball cricket. Their bowling lacks the depth to consistently challenge India’s batting unit, while their batting lineup has yet to prove itself in the longer format. This gives India a strong opportunity to bounce back and reassert dominance.
Key figures such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, skipper Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant will be central to India’s batting plans. In the bowling department, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar are expected to spearhead the attack. With balance across departments and home advantage, India should back themselves not only to win the one‑off Test but also to set the tone for a convincing 2–0 record against Afghanistan in the format.
Afghanistan will approach the one‑off Test against India in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, with quiet confidence, despite their limited red‑ball experience. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the side, bringing stability to the batting order. Alongside him, the trio of Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Rahmat Shah will be crucial in providing runs and ensuring Afghanistan can challenge India’s bowlers.
The batting unit, though relatively inexperienced in Test cricket, has shown resilience in shorter formats, and the team will hope that composure translates into the longer game. Gurbaz’s aggressive stroke‑play, Omarzai’s all‑round ability, and Rahmat Shah’s consistency will be central to Afghanistan’s chances of posting competitive totals.
With the ball, Afghanistan will rely heavily on Ziaur Rahman, Qais Ahmed, and Bilal Sami. Their ability to exploit conditions and maintain discipline will determine whether India’s batting lineup can be put under pressure. Spin, traditionally Afghanistan’s strength, could be a decisive factor if the pitch offers assistance.
India’s recent torrid run in Test cricket, including a 2–0 home defeat to South Africa, gives Afghanistan belief that an upset is possible. For Shahidi’s men, this contest is an opportunity to prove their growth in red‑ball cricket and test India’s resolve. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 1 AFG won: 0 IND won: 1 Draw: 1 RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: L A D W L RECENT form INDIA: W W W L L
The two sides have faced each other only once in Test match cricket back in 2018. Team India won that game quite comfortably by an innings and 262 runs.
How will the two teams, i.e., India and Afghanistan, fare in the only Test? Let’s take a look.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangyal Kharotai, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami, Saleem Safi.
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the Only Test between India and Afghanistan at the Mullanpur, New Chandigarh:
With conditions favoring batting early, India are likely to choose to bat first if they win the toss. Afghanistan, however, may prefer bowling initially to exploit seam movement under cloud cover. The toss could significantly influence momentum, especially with spinners expected to dominate from Day 3 onward.
The online live streaming of the only Test match of the Afghanistan tour of India will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Star Sports 1, 2, and 3 channels.
The Indian team, despite their recent setbacks in Test match cricket, should start as favorites against the inexperienced Afghanistan outfit. For the hosts, this game presents a great opportunity to test their newcomers who are heading straight from the Gujarat Titans into this squad. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Team India, is expected to win the IND vs AFG only Test match.