India's predicted playing XI for one-off Test against Afghanistan

Middle order

Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara, India's rock in the middle order, too had a poor outing in South Africa but returned home and found form in the domestic circuit for Saurashtra. He is currently playing for Yorkshire in the County Championship.

Pujara will be India's best bet to tackle the wily Rashid Khan.

With Virat Kohli rested for the Test against Afghanistan, Karun Nair is expected to return to the side. Nair is one of two Indians to have struck a triple century in Test cricket, but in a side filled with talent, has remained the first choice replacement rather than an integral part of the team.

Ajinkya Rahane will captain the side in Virat Kohli's absence. Rahane received a lot of criticism for the way he led the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and he will be looking to set the record straight when he leads the troops in the historic Test match.