Rahul, Gill hit centuries as India dominate Afghanistan on opening day

A Commanding Start in New Chandigarh

In a historic encounter at New Chandigarh, which is hosting its first-ever men’s Test match, India asserted their dominance over Afghanistan on the opening day. As temperatures climbed to a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat, anticipating a pitch that would only become more difficult to bat on as the match progressed. By the time stumps were drawn, India had amassed a formidable 368 for 3, driven by spectacular centuries from both KL Rahul and Shubman Gill.

Early Challenges and the Luck of the Draw

The morning session presented a stern test for the Indian openers. Afghanistan’s new-ball duo, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Saleem, extracted significant movement and uneven bounce from the surface. KL Rahul, in particular, looked shaky early on, reaching for balls outside his off-stump and struggling to find his timing. Fortune favored the brave, however, when in the 11th over off Ziaur Ahmed, Rahul edged a wide delivery that went through to the keeper. Afghanistan failed to review the not-out decision, a mistake that would haunt them as the batter capitalized on his reprieve.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing with more intent, managed a quick 24 before he was caught behind off Mohammad Saleem, giving the bowler his maiden Test wicket. This breakthrough momentarily halted India’s momentum, but the reprieve was short-lived.

The Partnership that Defined the Day

Following the departure of Jaiswal, B Sai Sudharsan joined KL Rahul at the crease. The duo steadied the ship as the pitch eased out, with the ball losing its initial shine and the swing dissipating. Sai Sudharsan looked in fine touch, stroking 81 runs before an expansive drive off Saleem resulted in a brilliant one-handed catch by wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai. Their partnership of 131 provided the platform for the carnage that followed.

Rahul and Gill Take Control

KL Rahul, having survived the early morning jitters, showcased his experience by rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. His grit was rewarded in the 61st over when he flicked a full ball to bring up his 12th Test century. It was a masterclass in patience, though his dismissal shortly after—wafting at a ball from Ziaur straight to short extra cover—marked his third career century ending on exactly 100.

Shubman Gill, however, was the picture of regal elegance. While Rahul’s innings was built on resilience, Gill’s 11th Test century was an exhibition of textbook stroke play. He dismantled the weary Afghan attack, peppering the field with 11 boundaries and a towering six. His ability to cut and drive close to the body proved far too much for the opposition to contain.

Pant’s Late Flourish

As the day neared its conclusion, Rishabh Pant walked out for his 50th Test appearance. Eschewing his usual aggressive instincts for the opening hour, he remained restrained until he faced offspinner Abdul Malik in the 68th over. With the field spread and the Afghan bowlers tiring, Pant unleashed three trademark flat-batted sixes. He finished the day unbeaten on 50, reaching his half-century on the penultimate ball, while Gill celebrated his century just before the close of play.

Concluding Thoughts

Afghanistan struggled to maintain discipline as the day wore on, with their spinners unable to extract consistent threats from the turning track. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi bowled with control, yet the lack of support from the other end and the depth of the Indian batting order left them trailing significantly. As India heads into the second day at 368 for 3, the home side is firmly in the driving seat, looking to bat the visitors out of the contest.