KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan guided India to 96/1 in 25 overs at lunch on Day 1 of the one-off four-day Test against Afghanistan at New Chandigarh on 6 June, as the hosts weathered a disciplined opening spell from the visitors' seamers. An unbeaten 55-run second-wicket stand between the two batters steadied India after the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Jaiswal Falls After Bright Start

Yashasvi Jaiswal began positively, striking five fours in a 32-ball knock of 24 and looking to attack whenever Afghanistan's bowlers erred in length. He was fortunate on 11 when a thick outside edge flew through the cordon, but his luck ran out shortly after. Attempting to glance a delivery down the leg side, Jaiswal feathered an edge through to wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai off Mohammad Saleem Safi, departing with India on 41.

Rahul Survives Scare, Builds Steadily

KL Rahul endured a scratchy start and was fortunate to survive on 16 when Afghanistan chose not to review a caught-behind appeal off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi — replays suggested an edge had carried, leaving the visitors to rue a missed opportunity. The experienced right-hander gradually found his rhythm, picking up boundaries off Sharifi, Saleem Safi, and spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, reaching 37 not out by the interval.

Sudharsan Shows Composure Against Pace and Spin

Sai Sudharsan began cautiously before growing in confidence, collecting boundaries through well-timed flicks and drives against both pace and spin. Afghanistan had a second chance to make inroads when Sudharsan edged Kharote towards first slip, but wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz reacted late and could only get his fingertips to the chance. Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 32 at lunch.

Afghanistan's Disciplined But Costly Session

Afghanistan's seamers — Sharifi and Azmatullah Omarzai — maintained probing lines in the opening hour, restricting India's scoring rate on a surface offering occasional movement and variable bounce. Debutant spinner Kharote and Abdul Malik were introduced before lunch, with Kharote extracting turn and bounce to challenge the Indian batters. However, two dropped chances proved expensive, and Afghanistan head into the post-lunch session with just one wicket to show for their effort.

What to Watch After Lunch

With Rahul and Sudharsan set at the crease, India will look to build a substantial first-innings total. Afghanistan, aware that they squandered two key opportunities in the morning session, will need to take early wickets to stay in the contest. Brief Scores: India 96/1 in 25 overs (KL Rahul 37*, Sai Sudharsan 32*; Mohammad Saleem Safi 1-27) vs Afghanistan.