Strong start for India before lunch against Afghanistan
New Chandigarh : In the only Test match between India and Afghanistan, being played at Mullanpur, the first session on Day 1 before lunch largely went in India’s favour. At lunch, India were 96 for 1. Rajasthan’s 23-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder Manav Suthar became India’s 319th Test player. He was presented his Test cap by veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the morning.
India lost their first wicket at 41 runs when Yashasvi Jaiswal (24 off 32 balls) was dismissed. However, the opening partnership between KL Rahul (unbeaten 37 off 70 balls) and Sai Sudharsan (unbeaten 32 off 49 balls) then laid a strong foundation for India’s innings.
5⃣0⃣ up for #TeamIndia in the 1st innings 👌👌
Vice-captain KL Rahul & Sai Sudharsan at the crease 🤝
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Au50EfVM30 #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/fuKY06bh9x— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026
The wicket of Jaiswal was taken by fast bowler Mohammad Saleem, who is playing only his second Test. Jaiswal was caught by wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai.
Here's what we are playing for 🏆
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026
The @IDFCFIRSTBank trophy for the #INDvAFG Test in all its glory 👌
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Au50EfVM30#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/UYnDjdoBgM
For the first time, a Test match is being played in New Chandigarh. This is India’s first Test against Afghanistan in eight years. India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first. Afghanistan are led by Hashmatullah Shahidi. Under new coach Richard Pybus, this is Afghanistan’s first Test under his guidance. Afghanistan have also handed a Test debut to spin all-rounder Nangalia Kharote, while veteran spinner Rashid Khan is not part of the match.
This is also the first Test involving India since 2010 in which neither Ravichandran Ashwin nor Ravindra Jadeja features in the playing XI.
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