Shubman Gill-led Team India has begun training for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. Gautam Gambhir oversees as head coach, with Sairaj Bahutule joining as the new spin-bowling coach. KL Rahul is the Test vice-captain.
Team India hit the ground running as the Shubman Gill-led side got their red-ball preparations underway ahead of their one-off Test against Afghanistan, which is slated to begin on Saturday at New Chandigarh. Team India posted a video on their X handle, showcasing the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul, among others, being involved in a full-on training session, with head coach Gautam Gambhir overseeing his men. "Team India hits the nets as the red ball grind gets underway ahead of the #INDvAFG Test," reads the caption of the post.
The Afghanistan Test will mark India Men's first red-ball assignment of the year, coming less than a week after the conclusion of IPL 2026. After the Test, India will face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series from June 14 to June 20. Gill is set to lead the side in both formats, with KL Rahul appointed vice-captain in the longest format, replacing Rishabh Pant. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain for the 50-over format.
Sairaj Bahutule joins as spin-bowling coach
Notably, former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule joined the men's national team as spin-bowling coach on Tuesday. The 53-year-old will oversee India's spin department across formats. Bahutule joins the Indian camp after a stint with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he served as the franchise's spin-bowling coach.
As a player, Bahutule represented India between 1997 and 2003, featuring in two Test matches and eight One-Day Internationals. Despite limited opportunities at the international level, he enjoyed a highly successful domestic career spanning nearly two decades.
The leg-spinner claimed 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches and picked up 197 wickets in 143 List A games.
In his new role, Bahutule will work alongside head coach Gambhir, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.
India's Test squad
India's Test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Rishabh Pant (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)