India's one-off Test against Afghanistan (June 6-10) has no bearing on World Test Championship (WTC) standings as Afghanistan isn't part of the WTC cycle. India aims to sharpen red-ball skills ahead of crucial WTC matches, while Afghanistan seeks to test itself against a Test powerhouse.
India's Test squad has arrived in New Chandigarh for a one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 6. This match is crucial for India to regain confidence in Test cricket after a previous series defeat and prepare for upcoming tours.
While Dharamshala and New Chandigarh will host the other playoff matches, the final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Shashank Singh was notably absent from the Punjab Kings' lineup for their crucial encounter against the Rajasthan Royals. This match, the 40th of the season, features two top-four teams. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
"Ghabraiye, aap Mullanpur mein hain," said Arshdeep Singh in a reel posted on his Instagram account after the match in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
