IND vs AFG: KL Rahul marks vice-captaincy elevation with clinical hundred in one-off Test

KL Rahul smashed a hundred after being promoted as India's vice-captain in Test cricket against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, delivering a poised statement with his knock.

KL Rahul scored a century against Afghanistan in the one-off Test match in New Chandigarh. Image: AP

FirstCricket Staff|Jun 06, 2026, 15:34:23 IST

Veteran Indian cricketer KL Rahul brought up a composed hundred during the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan on Saturday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur).

Following the 2026 Indian Premier League, the Indian cricket team returns to action, starting with a one-off Test against Afghanistan. The Shubman Gill-led Men in Blue don the whites, with New Chandigarh becoming the nation's latest Test venue.

KL Rahul brings up 12th Test ton vs AFG

In the first ball of the 60th over, KL flicked the ball down towards cow corner and quickly raced for a double, bringing up his century number 12 in Test cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter brought out his trademark celebration as he received standing applause from the dressing room and the fans.

India start strong against AFG on day one

Team India started the proceedings after opting to bat first in New Chandigarh on a hot, sweltering day. Afghanistan managed to secure an early breakthrough, dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for 24 runs. KL forged a clinical partnership with Sai Sudharsan until the latter was dismissed.

Sudharsan struck a composed 81 off 104, missing out on his maiden Test hundred. But he showed poise at the number three batting spot, which has been a headache for the Indian Test team for a while.

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KL's hundred kept India well on track against Afghanistan, with captain Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant remaining unbeaten at 103 and 50, respectively. The Men in Blue scored 368/3 at stumps on day one.

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