KL Rahul and Shubman Gill struck impressive centuries, while B Sai Sudharsan continued his strong start to Test cricket with a fluent 81, as India dominated the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, reaching 368/3 in 85 overs at stumps in New Chandigarh on Friday.
After choosing to bat first, India successfully overcame a disciplined opening spell from Afghanistan’s pace attack. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked in fluent touch during his 24 off 32 balls, hitting five boundaries, but his innings ended when Mohammad Saleem Safi induced an edge that was safely collected by wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai. India were reduced to 41/1.
Rahul had a nervous start and received a major reprieve on 16 when Afghanistan chose not to review a caught-behind appeal despite there being an edge. He gradually settled down alongside Sai Sudharsan, who looked comfortable from the beginning. The left-hander also survived a dropped chance before lunch as India reached 96/1 at the break.
The second session belonged entirely to Rahul and Sai. Rahul became more fluent after lunch and brought up his 21st Test fifty, while Sai looked increasingly confident against both pace and spin. He rotated strike effectively and played the sweep shot well against the spinners as the partnership steadily grew.
Afghanistan’s bowlers continued to search for breakthroughs, with Saleem Safi producing reverse swing and creating a few opportunities. Sai escaped again on 59 when an edge flew past the wicketkeeper, while Rahul survived an lbw appeal after replays showed an inside edge.
The long-awaited breakthrough finally arrived when Saleem Safi dismissed Sai for a polished 81 off 104 deliveries, ending a valuable 139-run stand for the second wicket that had put India firmly in control.
Gill walked in at No. 4 and immediately looked at ease, finding boundaries regularly and maintaining the momentum. By Tea, India had progressed to 209/2, with Rahul unbeaten on 81 and Gill looking set for a big score.
India tightened their grip on the match in the final session. Rahul completed his 12th Test century with a flick for two runs before eventually being dismissed for exactly 100. He edged Ziaur Rahman Sharifi behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz, marking the third consecutive time he had been dismissed in a century.
Gill then took charge, combining patience with positive strokeplay to bring up a century of his own. At the other end, Rishabh Pant showed restraint and maturity, putting aside his usual attacking instincts to compile an unbeaten half-century as the pair added an unbroken 100-run partnership.
Gill remained unbeaten on 103 at his home ground, while Pant finished the day on 50 not out, leaving India in complete control heading into the second day.
Brief scores: India 1st innings 368/3 in 85 overs (Shubman Gill 103 not out, KL Rahul 100, Sai Sudharsan 81, Rishabh Pant 50 not out; Mohammad Saleem Safi 2-50) against Afghanistan.