India, June 3 -- Indian cricket shifts its focus back to the traditional format after IPL with a one-off Test against Afghanistan starting at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday. The first Test in the city marks India's return to red-ball cricket after five months, and the spotlight will be on the new faces selected by India to shape the team's future.

With seniors Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja rested, the Test presents a valuable opportunity for emerging domestic performers to stake their claim for a regular spot. Shubman Gill, who joined the squad after leading Gujarat Titans to an IPL runners-up finish, returns to lead in the Test after a whiplash neck injury effectively sidelined him for the home...