India Switches to Red Ball for New Chandigarh's Historic Test

June 10, 2026 3 min read

India has named a full-strength Test squad for the historic first match at New Chandigarh's newly built stadium, switching focus to red-ball cricket after their recent white-ball assignments. The venue in Mohali will host its inaugural Test when India face Afghanistan, marking a significant addition to the country's growing list of international cricket venues.

New Venue Draws Full-Strength Side

The BCCI confirmed India's 16-member squad for the landmark fixture, fielding experienced campaigners alongside promising talent. Captain Rohit Sharma leads a side featuring established names across batting and bowling departments. The selection signals India's intent to make a strong impression at their newest Test venue.

Virat Kohli returns to the red-ball lineup, having featured in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. His presence adds experience to a batting order that also includes young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has impressed since his Test debut. KL Rahul will don the wicketkeeping gloves while serving as a backup opener.

Squad Composition Shows Depth

The bowling attack features Jasprit Bumrah as the senior pace option, supported by Mohammed Siraj.-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin rounds out a versatile attack capable of operating in various conditions. Sarfaraz Khan earned his place after consistent domestic performances, while Dhruv Jurel provides additional wicketkeeping cover behind Rahul.

Afghanistan enter the match having established themselves as a competitive Test side since gaining full status in 2018. Their rapid progression through Associate status to playing established nations represents one of cricket's remarkable growth stories. The New Chandigarh surface is expected to offer something for everyone, with local reports suggesting the pitch may assist spinners as the match progresses.

Historic Occasion for Punjab Cricket

The stadium's completion marks years of planning and construction, with the Punjab Cricket Association overseeing development of the facility designed to meet international standards. Officials confirmed the venue met all ICC requirements for hosting Test cricket, completing final preparations in the weeks leading up to the match.

India's recent schedule has involved frequent format switches, with the national team managing player workloads across formats. The New Chandigarh Test represents a reset to traditional cricket's longest format, giving players who featured in white-ball games an opportunity to prove their red-ball credentials on a fresh surface.

Afghanistan's Challenge

The visitors announced their squad earlier this week, blooding new faces as they continue building experience at Test level. Their campaign under Rashid Khan's leadership has shown steady improvement, though facing India at a new venue presents unique challenges. The match offers Afghanistan valuable exposure against a top-tier opponent in unfamiliar surroundings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal leads a batting lineup featuring multiple players who have demonstrated the ability to score heavily on domestic surfaces. The young left-hander's aggressive approach has already drawn comparisons with India's legendary openers, and the New Chandigarh pitch provides an opportunity to further establish his credentials. His partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order will be closely watched.

What to Watch

The first ball is scheduled for morning of the opening day, with officials expecting strong attendance throughout the match. Fans in the region have eagerly anticipated the venue's Test debut, and local authorities have arranged additional transport services to handle anticipated crowds. Television and streaming coverage will bring the historic match to audiences nationwide.

India will be seeking a commanding performance to mark the occasion, while Afghanistan aim to prove competitive against a side featuring multiple players with over 50 Test caps. The outcome may influence future scheduling decisions for both nations, with the match representing a stepping stone in their respective red-ball programs.