India vs Afghanistan 2026: Complete Series Guide, Schedule, and Live Updates

The Afghanistan cricket team's tour of India has begun with the one-off Test match underway at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The five-match tour runs from June 6 to June 20, 2026, featuring one Test and three One Day Internationals across four Indian venues. This is the first bilateral ODI series ever played between India and Afghanistan, and Afghanistan's first Test against India since their format debut in 2018.

For Indian cricket fans coming off the seven-week IPL 2026 campaign that concluded on May 31, this Test and ODI series offers an immediate return to international cricket action. Captain Shubman Gill leads an India side that has won every major bilateral series in recent memory and enters this tour as overwhelming favourites across both formats.

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India vs Afghanistan 2026: Full Series Schedule

Match	Date	Venue	Format
Only Test	June 6 to 10, 2026	Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh	Test (5 days)
1st ODI	June 13, 2026	Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala	Day-Night ODI
2nd ODI	June 17, 2026	Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow	Day-Night ODI
3rd ODI	June 20, 2026	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai	Day-Night ODI

The series spans four different Indian venues, giving Afghanistan's bowling attack exposure to a range of pitch conditions: the batting-friendly black-soil surface at New Chandigarh for the Test, the seam-friendly conditions often seen at Dharamsala, the variable surface at Ekana Lucknow, and the historically slow turning pitch at Chepauk Chennai for the series-deciding third ODI.

LIVETest Match Day 1: India Dominate in New Chandigarh

Stumps Day 1: India 368/3 (85 overs) vs Afghanistan

Top scorers: Shubman Gill 103* (11th Test century), KL Rahul 100, Sai Sudharsan 81, Rishabh Pant 50*

Wickets: Mohammad Saleem 2/67

Run rate: 4.32 per over

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first on a black-soil pitch expected to deteriorate over the five days. The decision paid off comprehensively. Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul provided the platform with 81 and 100 respectively, before Gill himself constructed a captain's century with an unbeaten 103. Rishabh Pant joined the runs party with an unbeaten 50, the partnership at stumps showing how thoroughly India dominated the opening day.

For Afghanistan, this is their first Test against India since their format debut in 2018, and the inexperience of their bowling attack showed across the day. Two Afghanistan players made their Test debuts in this match: Nangeyalia Kharote and Manav Suthar. Mohammad Saleem was the best of the Afghanistan bowlers with figures of 2 for 67, but India's batting depth meant the Afghan attack found few sustained opportunities to apply pressure.

The conditions added another layer of challenge for the visitors. Temperatures in New Chandigarh touched close to 40 degrees Celsius across the day, with India's batters cashing in during the final session when Afghanistan's bowlers tired. The session yielded 159 runs as Gill and Pant accelerated, with India's total featuring 42 fours and four sixes across the day.

Key Day 1 Highlights

• India elected to bat first under tough heat conditions, with afternoon temperatures around 40°C

• Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul built a foundation with their 81 and 100 respectively

• Rahul brought up his 12th Test century in the 61st over with a flick off his pads

• Shubman Gill reached his 11th Test century and now needs 157 more runs to reach 3,000 Test runs overall

• Two debutants for Afghanistan: Nangeyalia Kharote and Manav Suthar

• Final session yielded 159 runs as Afghanistan's bowlers visibly tired

• This Test marks New Chandigarh's first Test match, after previously hosting only T20s and ODIs

What to Expect from Test Days 2 to 5

With India already at 368 for 3 and a fresh batting partnership in place between Gill and Pant, the expected pattern for Day 2 is India batting deep into the morning session before declaring or being dismissed at a substantial total. A first innings total of 500 or more looks well within reach given the surface and the rate India have been scoring.

Once India declare, the focus shifts to Afghanistan's first innings. The questions for Afghanistan are significant:

• How long can their batting line-up survive against India's spin attack? The black-soil New Chandigarh surface is expected to deteriorate from Day 3 onwards, increasing the role of spin.

• Can Rahmat Shah reach 1,000 Test runs? The Afghan veteran needs just 30 more Test runs to become the first Afghanistan batter to reach the milestone.

• Will India enforce the follow-on? If India bat past 500 and Afghanistan struggle to reach 300, the follow-on becomes likely.

• How does the heat affect both teams? June is the hottest month in India, and 40-degree temperatures are physically demanding for fielders particularly.

Most cricket analysts expect a comprehensive India victory inside four days, though Afghanistan's batting depth has improved significantly since their 2018 Test debut and they will be looking to bat into Day 4 at minimum.

Live in-play markets for the India vs Afghanistan Test are open throughout each day's play. Get verified access via Reddy Anna WhatsApp support.

Looking Ahead: India vs Afghanistan ODI Series

After the Test concludes (likely by June 10), attention turns to the three-match ODI series, which is historically significant for being the first bilateral ODI series between the two nations. The ODIs offer a different challenge from the Test format, with Afghanistan's traditional T20 and ODI strength making them more competitive in white-ball cricket.

1st ODI: India vs Afghanistan, Dharamsala (June 13)

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in India, set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The venue typically offers some early seam movement for fast bowlers, especially in evening matches, though the pitch generally flattens out for batting later in the innings.

For Afghanistan, the Dharamsala ODI represents their best opportunity of the tour. Their world-class spin attack including Rashid Khan (when available), Mohammad Nabi, and emerging young spinners can extract significant turn at venues like Dharamsala. Combined with their experienced batting top order, Afghanistan will see the first ODI as winnable against an India side likely experimenting with combinations ahead of the next ICC cycle.

2nd ODI: India vs Afghanistan, Lucknow (June 17)

The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has produced some of the slower, harder-to-bat surfaces in Indian domestic cricket. First-innings totals at Ekana have often been below par, with chasing teams benefiting from improved batting conditions under lights once the ball gets older.

If the series is poised at 1-0 after the Dharamsala ODI, the Lucknow fixture becomes critical for series momentum. Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack would relish bowling on an Ekana surface that historically rewards spin and disciplined seam bowling, while India's deep batting line-up provides multiple match-winning options across the order.

3rd ODI: India vs Afghanistan, Chennai (June 20)

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is the historic home of spin cricket in India. Chepauk's slow turning surface has been the venue of countless famous Test and ODI victories for spin-heavy teams, and Afghanistan's bowling attack is built precisely for these conditions. If the series is alive going into the third ODI, Chennai becomes one of the most intriguing fixtures of the year for Indian cricket bettors and analysts.

The Chennai conditions also tend to favour patient batting over aggressive strokeplay, particularly in the second innings under lights when dew can become a factor. India's middle order, comfortable against spin, holds an advantage here that few touring sides can match.

Key Players to Watch in the India vs Afghanistan Series

India Players

Shubman Gill (Captain, batter): Coming off a 732-run IPL 2026 campaign and now an early Test century in this series, Gill enters peak career form. His ability to convert starts into substantial scores will be the foundation of India's batting across both formats.

KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper-batter): Reached his 12th Test century on Day 1. His combination of technical solidity and Indian conditions experience makes him a key middle-order anchor across the series. Only MS Dhoni (90) and Syed Kirmani (88) have played more matches as wicketkeeper for India.

Sai Sudharsan (Batter): Reached 81 on Day 1, confirming his place as India's preferred Test number 3 ahead of Devdutt Padikkal. Strong IPL form (722 runs for Gujarat Titans) is translating into Test cricket production.

Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper-batter): 50 not out at stumps on Day 1. Pant's aggressive counterattacking style is a major differentiator in Tests, and his form holds significant importance for India's lower-middle order across the ODI series too.

Virat Kohli (Batter, ODIs): Coming off his IPL 2026 final Player of the Match 75 not out. Kohli remains India's senior batter in ODI cricket, and his form against Afghanistan's spin attack will be closely watched.

Afghanistan Players

Rahmat Shah (Batter): The Afghan veteran is 30 runs away from becoming the first Afghanistan batter to score 1,000 Test runs. His ability to grind out long innings against quality spin is critical to Afghanistan's chances of saving the Test or making India bat twice.

Rashid Khan (Spinner): When available, Rashid Khan remains one of the most lethal spinners in white-ball cricket globally. His role in the ODI series, particularly at venues like Lucknow and Chennai, could decide individual matches.

Mohammad Nabi (All-rounder): The senior Afghan all-rounder brings experience, captaincy expertise, and the ability to contribute with both bat and ball across all formats.

Mohammad Saleem (Bowler): Took 2 wickets in the opening day of the Test, showing he can extract movement from any conditions. A breakthrough series for Saleem could redefine Afghanistan's pace attack going forward.

Sharafuddin Ashraf (Spinner): Was the leading wicket-taker in the 2025 Ahmad Shah Abdali Trophy with 36 wickets at an average of 17.11. Left-arm spin against India's strong batting line-up will be a fascinating contest.

Betting Markets Available for India vs Afghanistan Series

The India vs Afghanistan series provides extensive betting market coverage across the Reddy Anna Book platform network. While these series typically see India as heavy favourites in the major outright markets, the granular markets, including session betting, player performance markets, and Fancy Bet options, offer significantly more interesting opportunities for engaged bettors.

Test Match Markets

Standard Test match markets available across the series include:

• Match Winner (likely heavily skewed towards India)

• Innings Runs (first innings, second innings)

• Top Batsman (Team India, Team Afghanistan)

• Top Bowler (Team India, Team Afghanistan)

• Man of the Match

• Method of Dismissal markets

• Centuries in Innings markets

• Session Runs (morning, afternoon, evening sessions)

• Result inside three days, four days, or five days

• Highest individual score across the match

ODI Markets

For the three-match ODI series, market depth typically expands significantly:

• Match Winner and Series Winner

• Toss Winner

• Total Match Runs (Over/Under)

• Top Batsman (Match Top Batsman, Team Top Batsman)

• Top Bowler (Match Top Bowler, Team Top Bowler)

• Player Runs and Player Wickets markets

• Total Fours and Total Sixes

• Innings Total Runs

• Session Runs (Powerplay overs 1 to 10, middle overs, death overs)

• Highest opening partnership

• Method of First Wicket

• Fancy Bet markets including over-by-over runs and partnership totals

Through Reddy Anna Book, Indian users access these markets via three different platforms, each suited to different betting styles. For comprehensive cricket-specific market depth with 50 plus distinct markets per major fixture, see our Cricbet99 platform page. For exchange betting with Back and Lay flexibility during live ODI matches, see our Laser247 platform page. For combined sports and casino access in a unified wallet, see our 11xplay platform page.

Series Predictions and Historical Context

Looking at the historical record between the two sides:

• Test cricket: India has previously beaten Afghanistan in their 2018 debut Test in Bengaluru by an innings and 262 runs. Day 1 of this series suggests another comprehensive India win is the most likely outcome.

• ODI cricket: India and Afghanistan have not previously played a bilateral ODI series. Their ODI meetings have been limited to ICC tournament fixtures, where India has won every encounter.

• Recent form: India enters this series as 2026 T20 World Cup champions, having won the title at Narendra Modi Stadium in March. Afghanistan exited the T20 World Cup in the group stage.

The most realistic series projection has India winning the Test inside four days, then taking the ODI series 2-1 or 3-0. Afghanistan's best chance of a result is in the ODI format, particularly the first ODI at Dharamsala where their spin-heavy attack could trouble India's batters in any conditions favouring lateral movement.

For Indian cricket fans and bettors, this series offers steady viewing through the post-IPL window with major international cricket returning to home soil within days of the IPL 2026 final. The combination of Test cricket dominance and the historic first bilateral ODI series makes this tour worth full attention from now until June 20.

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How to Bet on India vs Afghanistan Through Reddy Anna Book

Through Reddy Anna Book, Indian users access verified cricket betting platforms with 24-hour withdrawal support and ongoing WhatsApp-based account assistance. The setup process for accessing the India vs Afghanistan series markets takes under five minutes:

1. Message Reddy Anna via WhatsApp: Send a message to our verified support team at wa.link/readycaree and request access to cricket betting platforms.

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For detailed guidance on cricket betting markets including Fancy Bet, session betting, and live in-play strategy, see our complete Reddy Anna Cricket Betting page. To explore all platforms and decide which fits your style, visit our Platforms hub.

Responsible Gaming During the India vs Afghanistan Series

This series provides nine consecutive days of international cricket from June 6 onwards, including a Test match spanning five potential days and three ODIs. While the volume of cricket is welcome after IPL season, the daily availability of betting opportunities creates the same responsible gaming considerations as any extended cricket period.

Useful guidelines:

• Set a series budget before betting on the first match. Stick to it regardless of wins or losses across the tour.

• Avoid increasing stake sizes after a losing position to recover quickly. This pattern compounds losses across a multi-match series.

• Take breaks. The 14-day window between June 6 and June 20 does not require daily betting activity. Skip days when match conditions are unclear or when you feel emotionally invested rather than analytically engaged.

• Treat the series as entertainment. India is heavily favoured across all markets, and the most engaging betting opportunities are in granular markets where outcomes are less predictable.

• The house has a mathematical edge in every market. No betting strategy guarantees profit across a series.

Online betting in India is strictly for users aged 18 and above. Visit our Responsible Gambling page for full guidance.

If betting is affecting your daily life, relationships, or finances, please seek help immediately. Support is available through iCall India and the Vandrevala Foundation, both providing free confidential mental health and gambling support across India, 24 hours a day.

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India vs Afghanistan 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

When does India vs Afghanistan 2026 start?

The series began on June 6, 2026 with the one-off Test match at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The full tour runs through June 20, 2026.

How many matches are there in the India vs Afghanistan 2026 tour?

Four matches in total: one Test match (June 6 to 10) and three One Day Internationals (June 13, June 17, June 20). The series does not include T20 fixtures.

Where is the India vs Afghanistan Test being played?

The one-off Test is at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur (New Chandigarh). This is the venue's first ever Test match, having previously hosted only T20Is and ODIs.

Where are the India vs Afghanistan ODIs being played?

The three ODIs are at Dharamsala (June 13), Lucknow (June 17), and Chennai (June 20). All three are Day-Night ODIs.

Is the India vs Afghanistan Test part of the World Test Championship?

No. This Test is not part of the World Test Championship cycle. However, India captain Shubman Gill has stated the team is treating it as a full Test match regardless.

Who is India's captain for the series?

Shubman Gill leads India across both the Test and ODI portions of the series.

What was the score on Day 1 of the Test?

India ended Day 1 at 368 for 3, with Shubman Gill 103 not out (his 11th Test century), KL Rahul 100, Sai Sudharsan 81, and Rishabh Pant 50 not out. Mohammad Saleem took 2 for 67 for Afghanistan.

Has India played Afghanistan in a bilateral ODI series before?

No. The 2026 series marks the first ever bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan. Their previous ODI meetings have been limited to ICC tournament fixtures.

What betting markets are available for the series?

Standard cricket betting markets include Match Winner, Series Winner, Top Batsman, Top Bowler, Total Runs, Session Runs, Player Runs, Player Wickets, and Fancy Bet options. Markets are available across Cricbet99, Laser247, and 11xplay through Reddy Anna Book.

How do I bet on the India vs Afghanistan series via Reddy Anna?

Message our WhatsApp support team at wa.link/readycaree to receive your verified cricket ID within five minutes. Once your ID is active, you can access all India vs Afghanistan markets through your chosen platform.

What is the weather forecast for the Test match?

June is the hottest month in India, with afternoon temperatures in New Chandigarh expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius across all five potential days of the Test. The heat is expected to be a significant factor for both teams.

Will India enforce the follow-on?

It depends on India's first innings total and Afghanistan's response. With India already at 368 for 3 on Day 1, a follow-on becomes increasingly likely if Afghanistan struggle in their first innings.

Is Rashid Khan playing in the series?

Rashid Khan's availability depends on his fitness and selection. He has been a regular member of the Afghanistan squad across formats and would be expected to feature in the ODI portion of the tour.

How long will the ODI series take?

The three ODIs run from June 13 to June 20, with rest days between each fixture. The series concludes at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on June 20.

Final Thoughts: A Series Worth Watching

The India vs Afghanistan 2026 series is significant on multiple levels. It marks the first bilateral ODI series between the two nations, it features Afghanistan's first Test against India since 2018, and it bridges the gap between IPL 2026 and the upcoming international cricket calendar. While India enter as heavy favourites across both formats, Afghanistan's improving cricket standards mean this is no longer the mismatch it might have been five years ago.

For Indian cricket fans, the series offers a smooth transition from franchise cricket back to international competition with familiar India stars showcasing their form before the next major international cycle. For Indian cricket bettors, the series provides reliable betting volume across both Test session markets and ODI live in-play markets, with platforms publishing extensive market depth across the full 14-day tour.

To follow the India vs Afghanistan series with full cricket market access including live in-play betting, Fancy Bet options, session markets, and player performance markets, get your verified Reddy Anna cricket ID set up via wa.link/readycaree. Setup takes under five minutes, with 24-hour withdrawal support, priority WhatsApp assistance, and access to all three Reddy Anna platforms.

Stay tuned to our blog for ongoing coverage of the Test match and full previews ahead of each ODI in the series.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Online betting laws in India vary by state and are subject to ongoing regulatory review. Users must be 18 years or older to access online betting platforms. Betting carries financial risk and should be treated as entertainment, not as a source of income. The house has a mathematical edge in every market. If betting is affecting your daily life, relationships, or finances, please seek help through iCall India (icallhelpline.org) or the Vandrevala Foundation (vandrevalafoundation.com). Reddy Anna Book operates as a support-assisted access platform and encourages all users to understand and comply with applicable laws in their region.