Test cricket returns to India after a seven-month gap. After playing in the IPL for two months, majorly at night, the biggest challenge in New Chandigarh this week may not be Afghanistan’s spin attack. It could be the weather.
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur is set to host its maiden men’s Test match when India take on Afghanistan from June 6. While the venue is still relatively new to international cricket, conditions could undergo a massive changes over the course of five days.
Pitch Report for IND vs AFG
The pitch being used for the Test is a black-soil surface, traditionally known for offering good bounce and carry early before gradually slowing down as the game progresses. A day before the match, there was still a hint of grass visible, which should encourage the seamers during the opening session on Saturday morning.
However, the bigger factor is the scorching Punjab summer.
Mullanpur Weather Report (Day 1, India vs Afghanistan Test)
| Time | Temperature | RealFeel | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | 31°C | 33°C | 0% |
| 10:00 AM | 33°C | 37°C | 0% |
| 11:00 AM | 34°C | 39°C | 0% |
| 12:00 PM | 36°C | 41°C | 0% |
| 1:00 PM | 37°C | 42°C | 0% |
| 2:00 PM | 38°C | 41°C | 0% |
| 3:00 PM | 38°C | 40°C | 0% |
| 4:00 PM | 39°C | 39°C | 0% |
| 5:00 PM | 38°C | 38°C | 0% |
| 6:00 PM | 37°C | 36°C | 0% |
Temperatures are expected to hover between 38°C and 42°C through the course of the match. Under such relentless heat, the surface is likely to dry out quickly, opening cracks and bringing spin into play much earlier than teams would ideally like.
That is one reason India are expected to field a three-spinner attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar are almost certain starters, while one of Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey could complete the spin department. Afghanistan, too, arrive with four specialist spinners in their squad despite the absence of Rashid Khan.
The first two days should be the best time to bat. The ball is expected to come nicely onto the bat, and if India’s top order negotiates the new ball, conditions could allow for a sizeable first-innings total. As the match moves into Days 3, 4 and 5, batting is likely to become increasingly difficult, especially against quality spin.
Unlike the recently concluded IPL, where players largely operated under lights, Test cricket in June means spending long hours under a punishing afternoon sun. Managing workloads, hydration and concentration levels will be key.
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