India vs Afghanistan 2026 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Squads, Venues, and Streaming Details

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed the highly anticipated India vs Afghanistan 2026 schedule, locking in a multi-format series that features a one-off Test match and a three-match ODI series this June. As cricket fans prepare to watch a rising subcontinent rivalry, the BCCI announced a minor adjustment to the original itinerary: the opening ODI match has been moved up to June 13 to streamline the tour’s broadcast window.

With Shubman Gill stepping into the spotlight to lead the Indian squad across both formats, this brief but action-packed tour serves as a major proving ground for India’s next generation of talent alongside returning cricketing icons.

Series Quick Facts

The Official India vs Afghanistan 2026 Schedule

To secure the top spot in search results, we have separated the red-ball and white-ball fixtures below. Make sure to note the revised date for the first ODI in Dharamshala.

One-Off Test Match Fixture

Three-Match ODI Series Fixture

India Squad Analysis & Leadership Transition

The squad selections reveal a strategic blueprint by Indian selectors: blooding young talent while anchoring the team with experienced champions.

India vs Afghanistan 2026 schedule: Team India Test Squad

Shubman Gill takes the reins as Test captain, supported by a tactical core of fresh bowling variations and reliable red-ball batsmen.

• Captain: Shubman Gill

• Vice-Captain: KL Rahul

• Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel

• Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal

• All-Rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar

• Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey

• Fast Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar

India vs Afghanistan 2026 schedule: Team India ODI Squad

The return of legendary figures stabilizes the top order for the white-ball leg of the tour, though final availability remains contingent on fitness checks.

• Captain: Shubman Gill

• Vice-Captain: Shreyas Iyer

• Senior Core: Rohit Sharma*, Virat Kohli

• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan

• All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya*, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar

• Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Harsh Dubey

• Pace Attack: Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar

*Note: Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s participation is subject to passing their final fitness clearance before the opening match.

Venue Profiles: What to Expect From the Pitches

The four selected venues will demand completely different tactical approaches from both camps due to contrasting soil types and environmental factors:

• New Chandigarh (Test): Expected to offer a balanced red-ball surface with decent carry for fast bowlers early on, settling into a batting-friendly track as the days progress.

• Dharamshala (1st ODI): High altitude and cool conditions traditionally aid seam bowlers, offering early swing under the afternoon skies.

• Lucknow (2nd ODI): Known for its re-laid black soil surface that rewards disciplined, tight bowling and technical stroke play.

• Chennai (3rd ODI): A historic turning track that will undoubtedly dry out and offer maximum grip and turn to the slower bowlers in the second innings.

India vs Afghanistan 2026 schedule: Afghanistan Team Updates & Players to Watch

While Afghanistan has officially signed off on the tour dates, their selectors have yet to finalize their travel squad. However, cricket fans can bank on a strong contingent of globally recognized T20 franchise veterans who excel in spin-friendly subcontinental conditions.

Top Match-Winners to Watch

• Shubman Gill (IND): Stepping up as leader in both formats. His tactical choices on the field will be scrutinized just as heavily as his output at the top of the order.

• Virat Kohli (IND): A massive crowd-puller whose rhythm in the 50-over format remains the gold standard of modern cricket.

• Rishabh Pant (IND): The definitive X-factor capable of shifting momentum in a single session with his high-risk, high-reward approach.

• Rashid Khan (AFG): The focal point of the Afghan bowling attack. His four-over variations are lethal, but his ability to sustain pressure over long ODI spells will dictate Afghanistan’s defensive success.

Live Streaming and Telecast Details: How to Watch India vs Afghanistan 2026 schedule

Indian broadcasting networks have lined up comprehensive digital and linear television options to ensure seamless coverage across the country.

• Television Networks: Star Sports 1, Star Sports HD, and regional language channels.

• Official Live Stream: JioHotstar app and web platforms.

• Match Timings: The standalone Test match begins daily at 9:30 AM IST, while all three ODI matches are scheduled as Day-Night encounters starting at 1:30 PM IST.

Head-to-Head Historical Record

While the historical data leans comfortably in favor of the hosts, Afghanistan’s aggressive development in global tournaments ensures they cannot be taken lightly.

Test Record

• Matches: 1

• India Wins: 1

• Afghanistan Wins: 0

ODI Record

• Matches: 4

• India Wins: 3

• Afghanistan Wins: 0

• Tied Matches: 1

Summary: Why This Series Matters

For India, the tour lays the structural foundation for long-term squad planning and captaincy transition under Shubman Gill. For Afghanistan, a full-fledged series against an elite opponent in familiar conditions offers an ideal proving ground to secure their status as a permanent threat to cricket’s traditional powerhouses. With updated schedules now locked in and squads taking shape, cricket fans are in for a highly competitive month of international sport.

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