IND vs AFG 2026 Test: Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna Shine as Dhruv Jurel Misses Big Opportunity

India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur was expected to be a one-sided affair, but few anticipated the sheer scale of the dominance displayed by the hosts. The two-time World Test Championship finalists outclassed Afghanistan in every department, securing an emphatic innings-and-300-run victory inside just three days.

After posting a massive first-innings total of 564/8 declared, India’s bowlers took complete control of proceedings. Afghanistan struggled against a disciplined attack that combined pace, spin, and relentless pressure. The visitors were eventually forced to follow on and were unable to recover, highlighting the significant gap that still exists between the two teams in the longest format of the game.

While several Indian players contributed to the comprehensive victory, a few performances stood out more than others. Some players enhanced their reputation and strengthened their case for future opportunities, while another failed to capitalize on favorable batting conditions.

Here is a closer look at the two Indian stars and one player who disappointed during the IND vs AFG 2026 one-off Test.

Match Summary: India’s Complete Dominance in Mullanpur

The match showcased India’s superior depth, particularly in bowling. While the batting unit laid the foundation with a massive score, the bowlers ensured Afghanistan never gained any momentum.

#1 Star Performer – Manav Suthar Announces Himself on the International Stage

Debuts often reveal more about a player’s temperament than his skill. In the case of Manav Suthar, the young left-arm spinner demonstrated both.

Playing in the absence of an established star such as Ravindra Jadeja can create additional pressure, especially for a newcomer. However, Suthar embraced the opportunity and delivered one of the most encouraging debut performances by an Indian spinner in recent years.

What impressed most was not merely the wickets he claimed but the manner in which he earned them. The left-armer consistently generated drift, dip, and turn while maintaining exceptional control over his line and length.

Unlike many young spinners who rely heavily on favorable conditions, Suthar looked threatening regardless of the pitch behavior. His ability to challenge batters both in the air and off the surface demonstrated advanced skills rarely seen in inexperienced bowlers.

Why Suthar’s Performance Matters

• Displayed excellent control under pressure.
• Generated natural drift and turn consistently.
• Adapted quickly to international cricket.
• Provided a long-term spin option for India.
• Contributed with the bat as well.

India has historically built successful Test teams around strong spin attacks. Suthar’s emergence provides selectors with another promising option as the team prepares for future Test assignments.

#2 Star Performer – Prasidh Krishna Silences Critics With a Complete Fast-Bowling Display

Few Indian bowlers entered the Afghanistan Test under greater scrutiny than Prasidh Krishna. Despite possessing obvious talent, the tall fast bowler has often faced criticism regarding consistency and effectiveness.

In Mullanpur, however, he delivered one of his most complete Test performances.

What made his spell particularly impressive was the lack of assistance available for fast bowlers. The surface largely favored batters early on and later assisted spin, leaving seamers with limited support from either the pitch or atmospheric conditions.

Rather than searching for magic deliveries, Prasidh focused on discipline. He repeatedly hit challenging lengths, used his height effectively, and extracted movement through persistence rather than favorable conditions.

His ability to create wicket-taking opportunities out of seemingly harmless situations reflected growing maturity in his approach.

The performance was particularly significant because it demonstrated that Prasidh can succeed even when conditions are not heavily tilted in his favor.

Why India’s Pace Depth Continues to Improve

For many years, India relied heavily on spin bowling to win home Test matches. While spin remains a major strength, recent seasons have highlighted the growing importance of the country’s pace resources.

Fast bowlers are now expected to take wickets in all conditions rather than simply support the spinners. Performances such as Prasidh’s indicate that India’s fast-bowling pipeline remains healthy and competitive.

This depth becomes especially important during overseas tours, where pace attacks often determine the outcome of Test matches.

The One Disappointment – Dhruv Jurel Misses a Valuable Opportunity

While most Indian batters enjoyed favorable conditions in Mullanpur, Dhruv Jurel failed to make the most of his opportunity.

Selected ahead of several strong alternatives, the wicketkeeper-batter entered the match with an excellent chance to strengthen his place in India’s Test plans. Unfortunately, his dismissal raised questions about his approach and decision-making.

Unlike wickets that result from exceptional deliveries or poor luck, Jurel’s dismissal appeared avoidable. Misjudging the line and trajectory of the ball proved costly, resulting in an early departure at a time when India’s top order was largely untroubled.

In a match where batting conditions were relatively comfortable, the innings stood out for the wrong reasons.

Why the Dismissal Was Concerning

• Conditions favored batting.
• The ball showed limited movement.
• India had already established control.
• It was a valuable opportunity to build confidence.
• Competition for middle-order spots remains intense.

One poor innings should not define a player’s future, but missed opportunities become more significant when competition for places is strong.

India’s Selection Battle Could Intensify

The performance of players such as Suthar and Prasidh may create positive headaches for India’s selectors moving forward.

India’s squad depth is among the strongest in world cricket, meaning strong performances are often required simply to maintain a place in the setup. Emerging players must consistently capitalize on opportunities because competition exists in almost every department.

For batters such as Jurel, every innings becomes important when selectors are evaluating multiple candidates for similar roles.

The encouraging aspect for Indian cricket is that competition generally raises standards across the squad.

What This Victory Reveals About India’s Test Future

Although Afghanistan may not currently rank among the strongest Test nations, India’s dominant performance still provided valuable insights.

The match demonstrated:

• Strong bench strength beyond the established stars.
• Emerging spin options capable of succeeding immediately.
• Fast bowlers who can perform without favorable conditions.
• A healthy competitive environment within the squad.
• Continued depth in both batting and bowling departments.

These factors will be crucial as India continues pursuing success in future World Test Championship cycles.

Looking Ahead to the ODI Series

Following the one-off Test, attention will now shift toward the ODI series between India and Afghanistan. While the formats are vastly different, momentum often carries forward, and India will enter the limited-overs contests full of confidence.

Several players who impressed during the Test match will hope their performances strengthen their chances of earning additional opportunities across formats.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will aim to regroup and demonstrate greater competitiveness in conditions that may better suit their strengths.

Conclusion

India’s innings-and-300-run victory over Afghanistan showcased the gulf in quality between the two sides, but it also provided valuable individual storylines.

Manav Suthar emerged as the standout performer, producing a dream debut that highlighted his potential as a future mainstay of India’s spin attack. Prasidh Krishna delivered a mature and disciplined fast-bowling performance that reinforced his growing importance within the Test setup.

On the other hand, Dhruv Jurel endured a disappointing outing, missing an opportunity to make a significant statement in favorable conditions.

As India turns its attention toward upcoming assignments, the biggest positive may be the emergence of new options capable of contributing immediately at the international level. For a team already blessed with immense depth, that is an encouraging sign for the future.