Chandigarh,06 June 2026: KL Rahul century Afghanistan Test became the highlight of Day 1 of the one-off Test match in New Chandigarh on 6 June 2026. India opener KL Rahul said he avoided restricting his natural strokeplay, which helped him score a patient century against Afghanistan.
The Indian team posted a strong total of 368 for 3 at stumps on the opening day at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. KL Rahul, captain Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan played key roles in building India’s dominant position.
Match performance and key contributions
KL Rahul scored 100 runs, marking his 12th Test century. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 103, while Sai Sudharsan contributed 81 runs. The trio ensured India maintained control throughout the day after an early wicket.
Rahul explained that adjusting from T20 cricket to the Test format required balance between aggression and patience. He focused on playing his natural shots while being aware of the pitch conditions and bowlers.
He said, “Sometimes you sit and overanalyse and try to play completely differently to T20 cricket. Something that I consciously tried was not to restrict my shots, but also be aware of what kind of shots I can play on this wicket against what kind of bowlers.”
Rahul added that he prepared for the match by focusing on adaptability in the week leading up to the Test. He admitted that playing a few extra shots early did not affect his confidence or mindset.
“I was okay with playing shots and playing to the merit of the ball. That’s what I was trying to do more,” he said.
Conditions and preparation
Rahul noted that the pitch was slow and low, making batting challenging at times. He said the surface behaved as expected based on practice sessions held before the match in New Chandigarh.
The India opener also highlighted the importance of spending time at the crease and adapting to red-ball cricket after playing in the fast-paced IPL environment.
He credited the team’s preparation for helping players adjust quickly and perform effectively on the opening day.
What happens next
India will look to extend their strong position on the second day after finishing Day 1 at 368 for 3. With set batters at the crease, the team aims to build a big first-innings total against Afghanistan.
KL Rahul century Afghanistan Test remains a key talking point as India continue their dominant start in the match.
Make Us Your Trusted Source