IND vs AFG 1st Test: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul Hundreds Leave Afghanistan Reeling on Day 1
India dominated Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan as KL Rahul and Shubman Gill scored centuries, while Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant made valuable contributions to put the hosts firmly in control.
June 06, 2026: India produced a dominant batting display on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, finishing on 368/3 at stumps. Eight years after Afghanistan's first-ever Test against India ended within two days, the visitors once again found themselves under pressure as the Indian top order made full use of favourable batting conditions.
KL Rahul led the charge with a patient century, while Sai Sudharsan impressed with a fluent 81. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 103 at the close of play, with Rishabh Pant providing excellent support with an unbeaten half-century.
Rahul and Sudharsan Lay the Perfect Foundation
After India opted to bat first, Afghanistan started brightly and created a few opportunities. However, missed chances proved costly. KL Rahul survived an edge that went unreviewed, while Sai Sudharsan was handed a reprieve after a dropped catch.
The duo capitalised on those lifelines and stitched together a crucial 131-run partnership. Sudharsan, continuing his impressive form from IPL 2026, looked confident at No. 3 and scored a well-crafted 81. Rahul played the anchor's role to perfection and brought up his 12th Test century in 164 deliveries before eventually departing shortly after reaching the landmark.
Gill's Century and Pant's Firepower Put India in Complete Control
Following Rahul's dismissal, Shubman Gill took charge and ensured India maintained their dominance. The Indian captain carried his excellent IPL form into the red-ball format, reaching his 11th Test century with a composed and authoritative innings.
Gill mixed caution with aggression, finding boundaries regularly while keeping Afghanistan's bowlers under pressure. His century also saw him cross 1,000 Test runs as captain, becoming the second-fastest Indian skipper to achieve the milestone after Sunil Gavaskar.
Stumps on Day 1️⃣
Fabulous centuries from Captain Shubman Gill and Vice-captain KL Rahul power #TeamIndia's charge 💪
We will resume proceedings tomorrow at 368/3 👌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Au50EfVM30#INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/sjVmjH8WLv
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026
At the other end, Rishabh Pant entertained the crowd with his attacking strokeplay, including several towering sixes. The wicketkeeper-batter brought up a valuable unbeaten fifty as he and Gill added an unbroken partnership that pushed India beyond 350.
Afghanistan were left to regret their missed opportunities throughout the day. A lack of discipline in the field, dropped catches, and crucial DRS errors allowed India's batters to take complete control. With Gill unbeaten on 103 and Pant not out on 50 at stumps, India ended Day 1 firmly in the driver's seat.
Brief Score – India vs Afghanistan, 1st Test
Day 1: India 358/3 in 83 overs (KL Rahul 100, Shubman Gill 103; Saleem 2/67*)