Manav Suthar, on his Test debut, claimed 3 wickets for 21 runs in 15.5 overs as India reduced Afghanistan to 113/5 at stumps on Day 2 of the one-off Test at New Chandigarh on 7 June, leaving the visitors trailing by 451 runs. Earlier, India declared at 564/8 in 127 overs, built on captain Shubman Gill's commanding 126 and a cascade of contributions down the order.

India's Innings: Gill, Rahul and the Lower Order Build a Fortress

Shubman Gill, resuming overnight on 103 not out, extended his knock to a commanding 126 off 177 balls before falling to Mohammad Saleem Safi, who delivered a fiery and disciplined spell with the second new ball. KL Rahul contributed a century, while Sai Sudharsan made 81 and Rishabh Pant added another 81 off 121 balls, sharing a 169-run stand with Gill before falling to Hashmatullah Shahidi — who claimed his first Test wicket — via a mistimed lofted stroke.

Both Sudharsan and Pant, left-handers who had looked assured, fell short of centuries, mirroring each other's fate. The lower order refused to fold: Washington Sundar hit a composed 52 not out, his sixth Test fifty, while debutant Suthar struck two sixes and two fours and Mohammed Siraj produced an entertaining cameo of 22 off 12 balls. The declaration arrived at 1:33 pm, placing India's total among the country's fourth fastest 500-plus totals in Test history at a run-rate of 4.44.

Safi was Afghanistan's standout bowler, finishing with 6 wickets for 140 runs, dismissing Gill and Dhruv Jurel in quick succession. Notably, Afghanistan could have had greater success had they been sharper with the Decision Review System — Gill survived a close lbw shout and Pant edged behind, both going unchallenged despite apparent evidence. Keeper Afsar Zazai reportedly struggled to convince Shahidi to take those crucial reviews.

Suthar Strikes on Debut, Prasidh Krishna Adds Pressure

Gill turned to Suthar just before tea, and the left-arm spinner delivered on his fourth ball in Test cricket. Abdul Malik, who had attempted to counterattack with three fours in his 16-ball stay, was undone by a sharp turn on a sweep — a top-edge flew to backward square leg. Suthar then bowled maiden after maiden, his accuracy rewarded when Rahmanullah Gurbaz nicked to slip for a sharp catch.

Prasidh Krishna contributed 2 wickets for 27 runs, first producing a nip-backer to uproot Sediqullah Atal's stumps, then trapping Hashmatullah Shahidi lbw to break a 36-run partnership that had briefly stabilised Afghanistan's innings. Suthar rounded off the session when Zazai closed the bat face too early and offered a simple return catch, leaving Afghanistan in deep trouble at stumps.

Rahmat Shah's Milestone Amid the Ruins

Rahmat Shah provided the only semblance of resistance for Afghanistan, reaching 43 not out at stumps and, in doing so, becoming the first Afghanistan player to cross 1,000 Test runs — a landmark moment for Afghan cricket even amid a difficult team situation. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav also kept the pressure on throughout the final session, ensuring Afghanistan never found rhythm.

Afghanistan Face Follow-On Threat

With the follow-on target set at 365 runs, Afghanistan — still 451 runs behind with only 5 wickets in hand — face a daunting task on Day 3. Suthar's debut has handed India a potent new bowling weapon on turning tracks, and the visitors will need a near-miraculous recovery from Rahmat Shah and the tail to avoid being asked to bat again.

Brief Scores: India 564/8 dec in 127 overs (Shubman Gill 126, KL Rahul 100; Mohammad Saleem Safi 6-140, Hashmatullah Shahidi 1-91) vs Afghanistan 113/5 in 39.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 43 not out, Hashmatullah Shahidi 29; Manav Suthar 3-21, Prasidh Krishna 2-27). Afghanistan trail by 451 runs.