India are currently playing against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match, which is being played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The first day was truly dominated by Team India, as the Shubman Gill-led side posted 368/3 with KL Rahul and the skipper scoring tons.
KL Rahul's 12th Test century
Star India opener KL Rahul smashed his 12th Test century on the first day itself. The right-handed opener was looking absolutely cool and calm while playing shots before losing his wicket on 100 off 165 balls off Ziaur Rahman's delivery.
After receiving an early lifeline, Rahul kept himself patient with his playing style. His innings consisted of 11 boundaries and stitched a fabulous 139-run partnership for the second wicket with Sai Sudharsan.
At the end of day's play, KL Rahul reflected on his century saying he felt an urge to play with some attacking intent, as he entered the game just after finishing his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign with Delhi Capitals (DC).
"Yeah, I did. I mean, but I don’t think it is a bad thing. That’s something that I was telling myself as well, because there isn’t so much time between the last game that we played, which was T20s, for a couple of months and then coming straight into this, sometimes you sit and overanalyse and try and play completely differently to T20s," Rahul said at the end of the day’s play," said Rahul.
While talking about if he tried to restrict his shots, KL Rahul revealed that he was trying to play freely without any pressure and stay aware of the game situation.
“But something that I consciously tried was to not restrict my shots, but also be aware of what kind of shots I can play on this wicket against what kind of bowlers," said KL Rahul.
Dominating gameplay from India
Coming back to the game, after KL Rahul's sublime knock, skipper Shubman Gill and star wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant dominated the Afghani bowlers with their attacking gameplay. At the end of the first day, Shubman reached his century and stayed unbeaten, with the help of 11 boundaries and one six. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant also scored an unbeaten half-century in 70 balls. It will be interesting to see if both of them can maximise on a fantastic score.