Fans applaud KL Rahul’s gritty century against Afghanistan on Day 1 of one-off Test

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India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh witnessed a masterclass in patience and temperament from KL Rahul on the opening day. With India beginning a new phase in Test cricket under captain Shubman Gill, the senior opener stepped up when his team needed stability, producing a magnificent century to anchor the innings.

The match marked India’s first Test assignment of the year and provided several young players an opportunity to impress. However, it was Rahul’s experience and calm presence at the crease that stood out as India gradually tightened their grip on the contest against a spirited Afghanistan bowling attack.

Rahul produced one of his most disciplined Test innings in recent times, bringing up his 12th century in the longest format. The right-handed batter reached the three-figure mark off 164 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries during a knock built on patience, sound technique, and excellent game awareness.

The innings was particularly impressive considering Rahul survived an early scare. Batting on 16, he appeared to edge a delivery from Ziaur Rahman behind the stumps, but Afghanistan opted not to review after the on-field umpire turned down the appeal. Replays later suggested there was indeed an edge, handing Rahul a significant lifeline.

Afghanistan would eventually regret that decision. Rahul settled into his rhythm and gradually took control of the innings, first adding 41 runs for the opening wicket alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal before building a crucial 139-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan. The left-hander looked set for a century of his own before falling for 81. Rahul continued to accumulate runs with remarkable consistency and later stitched together another valuable stand worth 67 runs with skipper Shubman.

The celebrations, however, lasted only one delivery. Looking to continue the momentum after reaching his century, Rahul attempted an expansive drive against Ziaur but failed to keep the ball down. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, stationed at short cover, reacted sharply and completed a fine low catch to end the innings.

The dismissal meant Rahul once again finished with a score of exactly 100, continuing a peculiar trend in his Test career. It was the third occasion he was dismissed immediately after reaching the century mark, having previously suffered similar fates against England at Lord’s and West Indies in Ahmedabad.

Despite the unfortunate end, Rahul’s contribution had already placed India firmly in control. His innings provided the perfect foundation for the middle order and ensured the hosts entered the latter stages of Day 1 from a position of strength.

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1️⃣2️⃣th Test hundred for KL Rahul 💯⚡#INDvAFG #KLRahul #TeamIndia

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 6, 2026

Rahul signs off with a 𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐂 hundred 💯🙌

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 6, 2026

HUNDRED FOR KL RAHUL AGAINST AFGHANISTAN.

– What a knock by KLR, he’s been phenomenal as a Test opener! 👏

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2026

🫡 KL RAHUL – 22 INTERNATIONAL HUNDREDS! ⭐🇮🇳

🏏 12 Tests🏏 8 ODIs🏏 2 T20Is

A class act across all formats. What a player! 👏🔥#KLRahul #TeamIndia #IndianCricket #TestCricket #ODI #T20I #Cricket

— Cricket lover (@harty_sa) June 6, 2026

12th Test Century for 𝗞𝗟 𝗥𝗮𝗵𝘂𝗹 👏👏

v AUS at Sydney (2015)v SL at Colombo (2015)v WI at Kingston (2016)v ENG at Chennai (2016)v ENG at The Oval (2018)v ENG at Lords (2021)v SA at Centurion (2021)v SA at Centurion (2023)v ENG at Leeds (2025)v ENG at Lord's (2025)…

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) June 6, 2026

600 runs in IPL with the SR of 175.

Now back to Test cricket with a hundred.

Simply KL Rahul is currently the best all formats player in world cricket. 🐐❤️

— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) June 6, 2026

KL RAHUL WITH HIS 22ND INTERNATIONAL CENTURY. 🔥

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2026

22 INTERNATIONAL HUNDRED FOR KL RAHUL 👑

– 12 Hundreds in Tests.– 8 Hundreds in ODIs.– 2 Hundreds in T20Is.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 6, 2026

100 looks easy when KL Rahul bats

— INCUBUS (@klraahull) June 6, 2026

Century no.12 for KL Rahul in Test Cricket🏏👏

One of the best Test Opener in last 2 years.💯

— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) June 6, 2026

Also READ: Here’s why KL Rahul went unsold in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026 auction