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Legendary spinner Anil Kumble has sparked the excitement for India's upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan with his preferred playing XI. The former Indian head coach has backed a few young players and made some bold selection calls that could surprise many fans.
After more than two months of T20 action in the IPL 2026, India’s focus has not shifted to their busy international schedule. The India National Cricket Team is all set to host Afghanistan in a one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series.
Anil Kumble reveals bold India XI for Afghanistan Test
Ahead of the season opener, Anil Kumble suggested Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir to field two spinners against the Afghanistan team in the one-off Test. But then the legendary spinner stunned many by picking the young fast bowler Gurnoor Brar over Prasidh Krishna for the upcoming Test match.
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He urged the team management to trust Brar and play him alongside the in-form Mohammed Siraj as the two specialist fast bowlers against Afghanistan. The commentator has strongly backed Nitish Kumar Reddy to play as an all-rounder in the upcoming one-off Test in New Chandigarh.
Anil Kumble backs Gurnoor Brar over Prasidh Krishna for IND vs AFG Test
Anil Kumble said on Star Sports' 'Follow the Blues' show, "Two spinners for sure. One of them, Harsh Dubey, and then Kuldeep. Kuldeep is there. So, you need to pick Kuldeep ahead of anyone else. So, you pick Kuldeep and Harsh Dubey as the two spinners. I feel Nitish Kumar Reddy will play. The problem has been that he has been the fourth bowler, and the captain doesn't look at him at all.”
The former Indian head coach added, “If he is the third bowler, hopefully, he will get a bit of a bowl as well. That's something you need to look at. It can't just be about his batting. He is an all-rounder. So, look at him as a bowler too. If Gurnoor has been picked, there is a reason. Play him. If it means Prasidh misses out, he misses out, unfortunately. He gets a break, and Siraj plays.”
Anil Kumble drops Dhruv Jurel for Washington Sundar and backs Devdutt Padikkal to bat at No. 3
Surprisingly, Kumble also overlooked Dhruv Jurel despite his strong performances in the whites. He wants the hosts to play Washington Sundar at No. 6 because the off-spinner also provides an extra bowling option. He also gave his opinion on the team’s long-running No. 3 problem.
The cricket pundit has pointed out that several players have been tried in the number three position since Cheteshwar Pujara's retirement, but no one has completely locked down the spot. Now, Kumble feels Devdutt Padikkal deserves a chance at No. 3 because of his performances for Karnataka in domestic cricket and his ability to handle pressure.
Kumble signed off by saying, “I feel probably Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3. I would like to see him. He has played at that number in Australia and got a fifty. He has done well in domestic cricket. Maybe test Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3.”
Anil Kumble's Indian XI for Afghanistan Test:
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj
