Fans applaud KL Rahul’s century against Afghanistan on the first day of the one-off Test

from india the only test against afghanistan Masterclass in patience and temperament witnessed at Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh KL Rahul opening day. India started a new phase in Test cricket under the leadership of the captain. Shubman GillThe senior opening batsman stepped up when his team needed stability, and scored a brilliant century to propel the innings.

This match was the first Test match of the year for India and gave many young players a chance to impress. However, it was Rahul’s experience and calm presence at the crease that came to the fore as India gradually took hold of the contest against Afghanistan’s spirited bowling attack.

KL Rahul scored a century against Afghanistan on the first day of Mullanpur Test.

Rahul produced one of his most disciplined Test innings in recent times, bringing up his 12th century in the longest format. The right-handed batsman reached the three-figure mark by hitting 11 fours in 164 balls on the strength of patience, good technique and excellent game awareness.

This innings was particularly impressive as Rahul survived an early scare. Batting on 16, he appeared to edge a ball Ziaur Rahman Behind the stumps, but Afghanistan opted not to review after an appeal was turned down by the on-field umpire. Replays later showed that there was indeed a lead, giving Rahul a vital lifeline.

Afghanistan will ultimately regret that decision. Rahul got into his rhythm and gradually took control of the innings and added 41 runs for the first wicket. Yashasvi Jaiswal Before making an important partnership of 139 runs with Sai Sudarshan. The left-handed batsman looked to be on his way to his century before falling on 81 runs. Rahul continued to score with remarkable consistency and later added another valuable partnership of 67 runs with captain Shubman.

However, the celebration lasted only for one delivery. Trying to keep the momentum going after reaching his century, Rahul attempted a wide drive against Ziaur but failed to stop the ball. Rahmanullah GurbazDeployed at short cover, reacted sharply and completed a good low catch to end the innings.

The dismissal meant that Rahul was once again out on exactly 100, continuing a strange trend in his Test career. This was the third time that he was out immediately after reaching the century mark, before which he had also suffered a similar loss. England at Lord’s and west indies In Ahmedabad.

Despite the unfortunate ending, Rahul’s contribution had already put India firmly in control. His innings provided the perfect base for the middle order and ensured that the hosts entered the final stages of the first day in a strong position.

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Here’s how fans reacted:

KL Rahul’s 1️⃣2️⃣th test century 💯✓#INDvAFG #KLRahul #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/6R4v9nV4ez

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 6 June 2026

Rahul finished with a 𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐂 century pic.twitter.com/1ZSEy6W3Mm

– Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) 6 June 2026

KL Rahul’s century against Afghanistan.

– What a brilliant innings by KLR, he has been phenomenal as a Test opener! 👏 pic.twitter.com/0PjPbUq8yO

– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 6 June 2026

🫡 KL Rahul – 22 International centuries! ⭐🇮🇳

🏏 12 tests
🏏 8 ODI
🏏 2 T20Is

One class works in all formats. What a player! 👏🔥#KLRahul #TeamIndia #IndianCricket #testcricket #ODI #t20i #Cricket pic.twitter.com/0JW38sCvnI

– Cricket Lover (@harty_sa) 6 June 2026

12th Test century for 𝗞𝗟 𝗥𝗮𝗵𝘂𝗹 👏👏

vs Australia, Sydney (2015)
vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (2015)
vs West Indies, Kingston (2016)
vs England, Chennai (2016)
vs England at The Oval (2018)
vs England at Lord’s (2021)
vs SA in Centurion (2021)
vs SA, Centurion (2023)
vs England at Leeds (2025)
vs England at Lord’s (2025)… pic.twitter.com/brlWNddt97

– 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) 6 June 2026

600 runs in IPL with SR of 175.

Now returning to Test cricket with a century.

KL Rahul is currently the best player in all formats of world cricket. 🐐❤️ pic.twitter.com/W9bjDgadnT

– Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) 6 June 2026

KL Rahul with his 22nd international century. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Pex2b8Y40A

– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 6 June 2026

22 international centuries of KL Rahul 👑

– 12 centuries in Test.
– 8 centuries in ODIs.
– 2 centuries in T20Is. pic.twitter.com/tAafAVKer0

– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 6 June 2026

100 runs seems easy when KL Rahul bats pic.twitter.com/nu8QrKofq8

– Incubus (@klraahull) 6 June 2026

KL Rahul’s century number 12 in test cricket🏏👏

One of the best test openers in the last 2 years.💯 pic.twitter.com/Hp8LlJon8P

– Staunch India Supporter 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) 6 June 2026

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