India tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Afghanistan as skipper Shubman Gill converted his overnight century into a commanding 126, while Rishabh Pant played a fluent knock of 81 to steer the hosts to 475/6 at lunch on day two.
Although Afghanistan enjoyed a better session by claiming three wickets with the second new ball, the visitors were left to rue two costly missed review opportunities that could have removed both Gill and Pant much earlier. Their inability to use DRS effectively allowed India to build on an already dominant position.
Gill, who resumed unbeaten on 103, looked in complete control as he extended his innings to 126 from 177 deliveries before pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi finally ended his stay with a fiery spell that extracted pace and movement. Pant, meanwhile, blended caution with aggression in his 81 off 121 balls before becoming Hashmatullah Shahidi’s maiden Test wicket.
At the lunch break, Washington Sundar (14 not out) and debutant Manav Suthar (9 not out) were at the crease after ensuring India suffered no further setbacks. The hosts added 107 runs in the morning session and remain well placed to post a massive first-innings total.
Keeper Afsar Zazai endured a difficult time, unable to convince Shahidi to take the crucial DRS calls that might have changed the complexion of the innings. Safi was the standout bowler, claiming Gill and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession.
Jurel, who looked positive with four boundaries in his 19 off 20 balls, misjudged a nib-backer and was castled. Shahidi then joined the wicket-taking act when he lured Pant into a mistimed lofted stroke and mid-off easily took the catch.
Despite going off the steam in the later half, India remain firmly ahead as Sundar and Suthar held firm till lunch by hitting two boundaries each and ensuring no further damage was caused. With the ball seaming and turning as well, India can make merry with the new ball once their batting innings is over.
Brief Scores: India 475/6 in 110 overs (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100; Mohammad Saleem Safi 4-109, Hashmatullah Shahidi 1-70) against Afghanistan
(With agency inputs)