India vs Afghanistan Test Live Score, Day 2: India Aim for Big Total as Play Continues in Mullanpur

India dominated Afghanistan on the opening day of the Test at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, and remained firmly in control on Day 2, June 7. After winning the toss, India captain Shubman Gill chose to bat first, and the decision paid off with a powerful batting display led by KL Rahul, Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant.

The first day belonged entirely to India. KL Rahul produced his 12th Test century, reaching 100 off 165 balls with 11 boundaries. Captain Shubman Gill also reached three figures, completing his century off 138 balls with 11 fours and one six. It was the 11th Test hundred of Gill’s career and another sign of his growing influence at the top level. Sai Sudharsan added a composed 81, while Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 24 before falling early in the innings. By the close of play, Rishabh Pant had also brought up a half-century, leaving India in a commanding position with wickets in hand.

India’s scorecard reflected the dominance of the top order. Jaiswal was caught by wicketkeeper Afser Zazai off Saliem Safi for 24. Rahul fell after his century, caught by Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Ziaur Rahman. Sudharsan was also dismissed caught by Afser Zazai off Saliem Safi for 81. At stumps, Gill remained not out, while Pant was unbeaten as well. The score progression showed India reaching 41 for 1, then 180 for 2, and 247 for 3, before continuing to build a strong total.

The match also featured notable milestones for both sides in terms of debutants. India handed a Test debut to Manav Suthar, giving the young player his first appearance at international level. Afghanistan, meanwhile, gave a Test debut to Nangeyalia Kharote. The game is significant as only the second Test between India and Afghanistan, underlining the relative rarity of red-ball meetings between the two teams.

Afghanistan entered the contest with limited experience in Test cricket. The team made its Test debut in June 2018 against India at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where India won by an innings and 262 runs. Since then, Afghanistan has played 12 Test matches, winning four, losing seven and drawing one. The side continues to develop in the longest format, but India’s start in Mullanpur once again highlighted the gap in experience and depth between the two teams.

India’s playing XI for the match includes KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Manav Suthar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Afghanistan’s XI features Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afser Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Nangeyalia Kharote, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Mohammad Saleem Safi.

With India already in a dominant position and key batters still to contribute, the second day is expected to continue the home side’s strong control over the contest.