Chinnaswamy stadium
Image Source: IANS
Have More Experience Now, But Need To Play More Tests, Says Afghanistan Skipper Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidi: Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said his side has gained valuable experience playing Test cricket in recent years but stressed the need to play more longer-format matches to continue their growth ahead of their one‑off game against India, starting on Saturday.
Afghanistan were granted Test status in 2018 and took on India in their inaugural game, which ended in a heavy two-day defeat for the visitors at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Since then, Afghanistan have featured in only 12 matches in the format over the past eight years. Their last outing in the longest format came in October 2025 against Zimbabwe in Harare, where they lost by an innings and 73 runs.
“That 2018 match was our first-ever game in red-ball cricket, and compared to now, we didn’t have any experience back then. After that, we played more cricket and learned a lot. With time, you gain experience. Personally, I have gained a lot of experience compared to that time.
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