India get off to commanding start with tons from Rahul and Gill

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 06, 2026

Centuries from captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul put India in a dominant position on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.

After winning the toss, Gill chose to bat on a good surface and India made the most of a few missed opportunities by the visitors. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dropped early before being dismissed for 11, while Rahul survived an edge behind when Afghanistan opted against taking a review.

Sai Sudharsan then shared a 139-run partnership with Rahul to put India in control. The left-hander looked assured throughout his 81 off 104 balls but fell just 19 runs short of a maiden Test century after edging Mohammad Saleem Safi to slip.

Rahul went on to register his 12th Test hundred and added another 67 runs with Gill for the third wicket. The Indian captain continued the charge, bringing up his 11th Test century from just 138 balls.

After Rahul departed soon after reaching his milestone, Rishabh Pant joined Gill and ensured Afghanistan were unable to make further inroads. Playing his 50th Test, Pant struck three sixes and raced to an unbeaten half-century from 70 deliveries.

Gill and Pant stitched together an unbroken 121-run stand for the fourth wicket as India piled on runs during the final session to finish the day in complete control.

Day 1 Stumps: India 268-3 (Shubman Gill 114*, KL Rahul 102, Sai Sudharsan 81, Rishabh Pant 58*)