India produced a dominant all-round performance to crush Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test at New Chandigarh, registering the biggest victory in their Test cricket history. Led by captain Shubman Gill, the hosts controlled the contest from start to finish and never allowed Afghanistan an opportunity to stage a comeback. The foundation of India’s emphatic win was laid by their batters, who piled up a massive first-innings total of 564/8 declared. Gill led from the front with a superb century, while KL Rahul also reached three figures in a display of controlled and aggressive batting.
Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar added valuable contributions as well, with all three crossing the fifty-run mark. Sudharsan and Pant came agonisingly close to centuries, falling for 81 each after looking set for bigger scores. Their innings ensured India maintained complete control of the match and pushed Afghanistan onto the back foot early in the contest. As the game progressed, conditions increasingly favoured spin bowling. With temperatures touching 38 degrees Celsius during the day, the pitch began to deteriorate and offered significant assistance to the slow bowlers. India’s spin attack capitalised brilliantly on those conditions.
Speaking after the match, Shubman Gill described the victory as a complete team performance and praised every department for executing their roles perfectly. “I think a complete win from us, ticked all the boxes. So very happy with that,” Gill said during the presentation ceremony.
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The India captain also revealed the team’s strategy regarding the follow-on. According to Gill, the management planned to reassess the bowlers’ workload before making a decision, but Afghanistan’s collapse made the choice straightforward.
“It was very hot. We decided that if we get them before lunch or just after the first drinks, we’ll see if the bowlers are fresh we’ll give them a follow-on,” Gill explained. India’s pace attack also played a key role in maintaining pressure. Gill highlighted Mohammed Siraj’s crucial breakthrough and praised Prasidh Krishna for claiming important wickets during Afghanistan’s second innings.
The skipper was equally impressed with the spin trio of Manav Suthar, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, who dominated the match. Debutant Suthar emerged as the star performer, claiming seven wickets across the match and showcasing remarkable maturity in challenging conditions. “The kind of quality, I think, Manav, Washi and Kuldeep has, all three of them, there was never any doubt,” Shubman Gill added.
The young captain also spoke about the importance of gaining experience and learning how to build pressure on batters in different conditions. He stressed that developing consistency and understanding match situations would be key for India’s next generation of cricketers.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came during the post-match presentation. After receiving the trophy, Gill handed it to Player of the Match Manav Suthar, allowing the debutant to enjoy a special moment in front of his teammates and fans. Suthar proudly lifted the trophy, capping off a dream start to his international career.
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For Gill, the victory was particularly satisfying as he marked his return to Test captaincy with a record-breaking result. Despite the extreme heat and demanding conditions, India maintained their intensity throughout the three days and were rewarded with a historic triumph.
The focus now shifts to the three-match ODI series between India and Afghanistan, which begins on June 13. India will enter the series full of confidence after their commanding Test performance, while Afghanistan will be eager to regroup and produce a stronger showing in the limited-overs format.
