Source TOI
MULLANPUR — The real adversary for India’s batsmen on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan wasn’t the opposition’s bowling lineup. Instead, it was the mental hurdle of formatting muscle memory — shifting gears from two months of high-octane, unyielding T20 cricket back to the disciplined, patient rhythms of the red-ball game.
By stumps on Day 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, both KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan successfully broke through their T20 habits, guiding India to a commanding position at 368 for 3.
Grinding Out the T20 Habits
For KL Rahul, the transition wasn’t an effortless switch. Despite dedicating hours to grueling net sessions in the sweltering heat leading up to the Test — even showing up on optional training days to focus on playing closer to his body — the early phase of his innings bore a clear layer of T20 rust.
Frustrated by a lack of timing in the initial moisture-heavy session, Rahul nearly threw his wicket away attempting a back-foot cut off Afghanistan’s Ziaur Rahman. The ball found a distinct edge, sending wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz into a frantic appeal. However, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi decided against using a DRS review, granting Rahul a massive life.
From that moment on, the 34-year-old veteran dug deep, showing exceptional defensive technique. As the pitch dried out, he grew immensely comfortable against the spin attack, converting his gritty 86-ball half-century into a hard-fought 12th Test hundred. Though he walked off deeply disappointed after falling on the very next ball following his century, his anchor role had already broken Afghanistan’s momentum.
Sudharsan repays Gambhir’s Faith
At the other end, young Sai Sudharsan vindicated head coach Gautam Gambhir’s promise of giving him a “longer rope” in the Test squad. Preferred at the No. 3 spot over Devdutt Padikkal, the elegant left-hander compiled a highly fluent 81.
Like Rahul, Sudharsan lived a somewhat charmed life, surviving two drop catches on 18 and 59 as Afghanistan’s fielders failed to clean up edges that flew low through the slip cordon. Despite the occasional edginess, Sudharsan showcased immaculate intent, putting on a show with 13 elegant boundaries — primarily targeted through the mid-wicket region — alongside a breathtaking straight drive off Mohammad Saleem Safi.
The duo built a cornerstone 139-run partnership for the second wicket, laying a massive platform before Saleem finally coaxed Sudharsan into driving away from his body, resulting in a low, sharp catch by Afsar Zazai.
Gill Piles on the Misery
Following the departure of the set batsmen, Indian captain Shubman Gill arrived at the crease looking in imperious form from the very first ball. Striking the ball with signature flair, Gill rapidly compiled a quick-fire partnership of 67 runs with Rahul to ensure the pressure remained squarely on the tourists.
While both Rahul and Sudharsan missed out on converting their knocks into massive milestone scores, their ability to shed the T20 edginess and absorb pressure has left Afghanistan chasing shadows as India firmly controls the driver’s seat.
Brief Scores at Stumps (Day 1):
India 368/3 (KL Rahul 100, Sai Sudharsan 81, Shubman Gill 20*; Mohammad Saleem Safi 2/27) vs Afghanistan.
