After enjoying an exciting IPL 2026 season, Indian players are turning their attention back to international cricket, and their first assignment is the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mohali, slated to get underway on June 6. India head into the series as clear favourites, but the match has huge implications, with India looking to restore confidence and consistency after a difficult period in the longest format. Their recent performances have brought them immense criticism, particularly following the disappointing home series defeat against South Africa.

Amid the criticism, captain Shubman Gill's leadership has been lauded. Though the young skipper had a frustrating home series from a personal standpoint, his stature as a leader has remained intact. The most successful period of his leadership came during the Test series against England, where he led a relatively inexperienced side to a commendable 2-2 draw in a demanding five-match series. 

The series had come in the wake of the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin and taking charge of a squad going under transition was immensely impressive. Now, former India wicketkeeper and selector Saba Karim has expressed strong confidence in Gill's potential as both a player and a leader and said that he could be a ambassador of red-ball cricket following Kohli's retirement. 

"He's able to realize that he can add so much value as a Test batter. For him to compete and perform with that kind of consistency, it clearly shows that Shubman Gill relishes Test cricket. I think he can be a great ambassador after Virat Kohli," Karim said on Star Sports.

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also said that Gill's form and leadership will be key for Indian cricket. 

"He had a great series in England. The moment he was made the captain, he went there, turned it on. Even when England had toured to India, he got a hundred at Dharamsala. High-quality player, has worked on keeping his bat close to the pads. His success in Test cricket will really start redefining India's Test team,” Ashwin said on Star Sports.