Shubman Gill, fresh from losing the IPL final, set his sights on the much-loved Test challenge vs AFG

Fresh off a grueling Indian Premier League campaign, India captain Shubman Gill is quickly shifting his focus back to the traditional format of the game. Just days after guiding Gujarat Titans to a runner-up finish in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the young captain arrived in New Chandigarh to lead the Indian team in a transitional phase.

Leading his country on his actual home ground adds a fairytale element to the task ahead for the 26-year-old master batsman. Speaking to BCCI.tv ahead of the match, the Indian captain revealed his deep-rooted passion for the longest format and his pride in leading the national team at the place where his cricketing journey began.

“For me, it’s the most satisfying format out of the three. When you do well in that format, that’s when I feel the best. The feeling of wearing the white and baggy cap – there’s nothing like it. It’s the traditional way, the OG way of playing cricket. To be able to lead my country is a huge privilege. I’ve always dreamed of playing for India, let alone captaining here, let alone captaining cricket here. It makes it even more special.” Gill said.

The team has been sweating in Mullanpur for the past three days, battling the scorching daytime temperatures get reacquainted with the red ball and adjust your sleep cycles after two months of late-night T20 exposure.

SHUBMAN GILL: FROM IPL 2026 TO TEST AGAIN

The transition from the high-octane environment of franchise cricket to the patient demands of five-day cricket is no small feat. Gill enters the Test match in scorching individual form, after amassing a staggering 732 runs at an average of 45.75 and a strike rate of 163.02 during IPL 2026, a campaign highlighted by a magnificent 53-ball 104. However, the captain stressed that the real test in New Chandigarh will be a mental battle against the elements rather than a technical reset.

“The weather is very different. If you’re playing T20s at night, it’s almost 40 degrees here during the day. There’s a significant mental challenge that comes into play, on top of all the technical adjustments you have to make to adapt to the format. That’s what makes Test cricket so great and why it gets so much respect around the world,” Gill said.

With premium fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah rested and Rishabh Pant relieved of the vice-captaincy role, a revamped management group is taking over. KL Rahul steps in as Gill’s deputy in a team that features a wave of fresh home-grown talent, including erratic call-ups like Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar and Prince Yadav. Gill expressed immense confidence in the new faces, noting that he was working well with them from the home environment.

“I have played with most of these players quite a lot in the India A set-up. Whenever we have overseas tours or friendly matches, whether in England or Australia, I have shared the field with many of them. They are very exciting young talents and hopefully they will represent and serve the country for a very long time,” said Gill.

WHY IS INDIA VS AFG ONCE TEST IMPORTANT?

While this stand-alone match does not carry points for the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, its context remains vital for the struggling Indian team. India are currently in an uncharted sixth spot in the WTC table having managed to win just four of their first nine matches.

With an incredibly demanding schedule looming – including a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in August, a home game against New Zealand in October and a massive five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia – this match serves as a key incubator for building squad depth and finding form.

Moreover, Afghanistan presents a completely different challenge to the one eight years ago in the inaugural Test match in Bengaluru. Gill warned against any complacency and acknowledged the huge strides made by the visitors on the international circuit.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

05 Jun 2026 20:44 IST