India's expected playing XI for the Afghanistan Test

Middle Order

Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara will hold the key for India against Afghan spinners

While almost all his teammates were busy playing in the cash-rich league, IPL, Cheteshwar Pujara was toiling hard in England playing county cricket. The Test specialist has been a tremendous player for the Indian team, especially in Indian conditions. He has the appetite for scoring big runs and he will be key in tackling the Afghanistan spinners, who are a major threat to the Indian team.

Ajinkya Rahane (C)

Rahane will want to improve his batting record

Ajinkya Rahane will have a point to prove in this match. Rahane was dropped from the playing XI in South Africa despite being the vice-captain of the side. Even though he made a brilliant comeback in the third and the final Test, he will be eager to get some consistency in his batting. Rahane will also have the added responsibility of captaining the side. The last time he captained the Indian team was in the Test against Australia at Dharamsala, a match that India won and clinched the series.

Karun Nair

Karun Nair hasn't done much after his triple century against England

The Indian selectors seem to have taken a call on Rohit Sharma's Test career. With Rohit going out of favor, Karun Nair has got a look in. Nair had a lean patch after a superlative triple century against England. After a string of poor scores, Nair was dropped from the team. But Nair has got one more opportunity and he will look to make the most of it by scoring big runs.