KL Rahul produced a masterclass on the opening day of the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, bringing up a superb century before falling immediately after the milestone. Rahmanullah Gurbaz held on to a sharp catch to end a composed and authoritative innings from the India vice-captain.
Rahul batted with remarkable calm from the moment he walked out, showing the kind of control and patience that has made him one of India’s most dependable Test batters. He reached his 12th Test hundred in 164 balls and looked in complete command throughout the innings, even though he did receive a few slices of luck along the way. It was also his ninth century as an opener in the longest format.
The Karnataka batter’s dismissal continued an unusual pattern. This was the third consecutive Test in which Rahul reached three figures and was dismissed exactly on 100. He had previously fallen on 100 against England at Lord’s in 2025, then repeated the feat against the West Indies, and now did so once again against Afghanistan. India captain Shubman Gill reacted with visible disappointment after Rahul’s wicket, putting his hand on his head in frustration.
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Rahul’s knock was built on strong technique and smart shot selection. He struck 11 boundaries during the innings and played the anchor role India needed after an early setback. His latest hundred also continues a strong run of form in 2025, a year in which he scored 813 runs in ten matches and strengthened his position at the top of India’s batting order. The innings also marked a solid start to his new role as vice-captain.
Leadership suits him! 😎
Team India’s vice-captain, KL Rahul brings up his 12th Test century with a magnificent knock. 🇮🇳#INDvAFG | Only Test ➡️ DAY 1 | LIVE NOW 👉https://t.co/hURsU016bX pic.twitter.com/oAFbKC4ubB
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 6, 2026
Across formats, Rahul has long been valued for his versatility and elegance. He has opened in Test cricket, operated in the middle order in ODIs, and adapted to whatever role the team has asked of him. More importantly, he has often delivered under pressure for India in challenging conditions.
KL Rahul got out on next ball soon he made 💯.. caught at short cover 💥 Gill dismayed 🤯 n KL Rahul disappointed ☹️
Zia Jubilant 😀#INDvsAFG #AFGvsIND #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/bAFbIRzvuT— DaebakAnkita FC💃 (@DaebakankitaF) June 6, 2026
A closer look at his Test record shows just how impressive he has been overseas. Of his 12 Test hundreds, nine have come away from home, including seven in SENA countries. He has scored four centuries in England, two in South Africa, and one in Australia, making him India’s most prolific opener in England in terms of Test hundreds.
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At stumps, India remained in control after Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early, but Sai Sudharsan and Rahul steadied the innings with a 139-run stand. Sudharsan missed out on a deserved hundred with 81, while Gill followed with a half-century of his own before continuing alongside Rishabh Pant. India ended the day well placed and firmly on top.
