India began their one-off Test against Afghanistan with a steady start at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
India XI: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
By the first session on Day 1, India reached 77/1 in 19 overs, scoring at a run rate of 4.05. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to dominate the Afghanistan tour of India 2026.
India vs Afghanistan Test 2026 – Early Session
Yashasvi Jaiswal looked fluent with 24 runs off 32 balls before falling to Mohammad Saleem Safi, caught by Afsar Zazai.
KL Rahul (26* off 55) and Sai Sudharsan (25* off 27) then steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership. Rahul played cautiously, while Sudharsan struck five boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Hometown boy Shubman Gill wins the toss & Team India bat first against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh! 🎯#INDvAFG | Only Test ➡️ DAY 1 | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/hURsU016bX pic.twitter.com/ExnPYTXCDK
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 6, 2026
Official Broadcast & Streaming Details
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network | Â Hotstar |
| Afghanistan | RTA Sports | RTA Live App / Website |
| UK & Europe | TNT Sports (via Discovery+) | Discovery+ |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow.tv |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Kayo Sports / Foxtel |
Afghanistan’s Bowling Attack
Saleem Safi provided the breakthrough with figures of 1/27 in 5 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai bowled a disciplined spell of 7 overs, conceding just 21 runs, troubling the batters with bounce and pace.
Spinner Nangeyalia Kharote was introduced early, testing Sudharsan with turn and variation. Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained pressure but failed to break the Rahul-Sudharsan stand.
Key Highlights from IND vs AFG
India’s batting showed intent, scoring 48 runs in the last 10 overs for the loss of one wicket. The pitch offered bounce and early turn, suggesting spinners will play a big role as the match progresses.
Fans at Mullanpur witnessed a balanced contest, with India’s top order aiming to build a strong first innings total.
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