Live Cricket Score: Focus shifts to scoring against spin
The struggles against spin during the South Africa series prompted India to rethink their approach, and Sudharsen revealed that one of the key discussions before the Afghanistan Test centered around finding ways to score against slow bowlers rather than just staying alive.
He said the focus was on understanding the conditions and keeping the scoreboard moving rather than absorbing pressure. Personally, the batsman has focused on having confidence in his abilities and staying positive in his approach.
From a tactical perspective, India wanted to identify options that could trouble their bowlers and prevent them from settling into a rhythm. The idea was to keep pressure on the opposition by alternating strikes and finding boundaries whenever possible.
Sudharsen explained that the team wanted to ensure that the pressure was maintained on the bowlers rather than allowing them to dictate terms through defensive batting.
IND vs AFG Live Score: KL Rahul’s composure proved invaluable
Sudharsan was involved in a crucial 139-run stand with KL Rahul for the second wicket after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal, but insisted the partnership was built on understanding the conditions rather than one batsman dominating the other.
The young left-hander said Rahul’s calm presence at the crease brings certainty and composure to his partners. He revealed that their conversations revolved around reading the pitch, evaluating the bowlers and understanding the best ways to deal with the different stages of the innings.
Sudharsen described Rahul as someone who sees the game very well and constantly gives useful cues that help during the innings. Batting alongside an experienced pacer like Rahul, who registered his 12th Test hundred, made things easier and allowed him to settle into his own rhythm. Their stand laid the foundation for India’s commanding position at the end of the opening day.
IND vs AFG: Gambhir’s support gives Sudharsan mental freedom
Sai Sudharsen praised coach Gautam Gambhir’s unwavering support for giving him the confidence to express himself freely in Test cricket.
On the eve of the only Test against Afghanistan, Gambhir made it clear that the Tamil Nadu pacer will get a long rope and will not be judged just on the basis of a few matches. Sudharsen repaid this faith with a fluent 81 on the opening day and later admitted that this support from the coach, captain and team management provides tremendous mental assurance.
According to the left-hander, knowing that the team wants him to succeed allows him to focus on giving his best instead of worrying about selection. He described the trust shown by the management as an honour, and said it removes thoughts about whether he will play in the next match, enabling him to focus solely on helping India win matches.
Live Cricket Score: Most of them are played on the first day of the Test in India
417/2 – Ind v. S.L., Kanpur, 2009
385/6 – Ind v. S.L., Ahmedabad, 2009
371/4 – IND vs SL, Delhi, 2017
368/3 – IND v AFG, Mullanpur, 2026*
366/8 – SL v IND, Brabourne, 2009
IND vs AFG live score: Afghanistan’s rotation struggles revealed
It turns out that Afghanistan’s biggest weakness is its rotating resources. With their established stars unavailable due to T20 league commitments around the world, the onus fell on Nanjialia Kharot and Abdul Malik.
However, the duo lacked the penetration required to challenge a batting line-up of India’s calibre.
Kharoot conceded 95 runs in 20 overs without reward, while Malik managed six overs and also went wicketless. Mohammad Saleem emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 67, while spinner Ziaur Rahman impressed despite taking just one wicket.
Overall, the Afghan attack lacked the quality to sustain the pressure, and India took full advantage. Without launching an all-out attack, the hosts continued to pile up runs at a rapid pace, hitting 42 fours and four sixes.
With help available to spin, India are expected to declare early on day two and unleash a three-pronged slow bowling attack.
IND vs AFG: Gill and Pant enjoy the stroke play
If Rahul and Sudharsen were providing the material, Gill and Rishabh Pant were providing the entertainment. Their relentless 121-run partnership left an already exhausted Afghan attack searching for answers in the hot North Indian conditions.
Gill’s batting had an effortless quality, with his short arm pulls and flowing cover drives highlighting his supreme confidence. In his 41st Test, the Indian skipper registered his 11th century and rarely looked troubled.
Meanwhile, Pant adopted a more aggressive approach, scoring three towering balls during his unbeaten half-century off just 70 balls. The pair comfortably took turns striking and punishing loose deliveries without resorting to reckless aggression.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was forced to widen the field in a desperate attempt to stem the flow of boundaries, but India continued to score freely and ended the day in complete control of the proceedings.
Live Cricket Score: Sai Sudharsen impresses despite missing out on an important milestone
Sai Sudharsen once again emphasized why he is considered one of India’s brightest prospects. The left-hander bowled fluently off 81 off 104 balls and was particularly impressive against pace, frequently sweeping balls through the mid-wicket region.
But his innings was aided by two moments of luck. He was first dropped in the slips off left-armer Nangeyalia Kharote and later escaped when an outside edge off Ziaur Rahman flew between the wicket-keeper and first slip.
Despite these reprieves, Sudharsan batted confidently and shared a valuable 139-run stand with KL Rahul after Yashasvi Jaiswal gifted his wicket with an unnecessary look down the leg side. Just when a maiden Test century seemed inevitable, Sudharsen’s ambition got the better of him as Mohammed Saleem created an edge at the back to end a promising knock.
IND vs AFG Live Score: Rahul benefits from early postponement
Rahul’s innings was a reminder of the value of patience in its longest form. The right-hander escaped an early threat when Ziaur Rahman shot a ball that goalkeeper Afsar Zazai failed to block, and television replays later confirmed that the first goal was a lucky one.
Once he got that lifeline, Rahul settled into his rhythm and played an innings marked by discipline and elegance. The covered drives and branded drives were impeccably executed while the straight drive remained fun to watch. Unlike some of his more attacking partners, Rahul was content to pile on steadily and let others play their natural game.
It took him 164 deliveries to bring up his 12th Test century, but his concentration rarely wavered. Ironically, he left as soon as he reached the Guru, offering to hunt to cover for Ziaur Rahman.
IND vs AFG: Rahul and Gill set the tone with contrasting horns
India’s powerful batting line-up delivered a batting lesson in the Test match as KL Rahul and skipper Shubman Gill hit contrasting hundreds to push the hosts to 368 for three against Afghanistan on the opening day of the one-off Test on Saturday.
Rahul’s unbeatable patience and Gill’s effortless aggression complemented each other perfectly, exposing the gap in quality between the two sides.
While Rahul showed the virtues of defense and shot selection in 100 off 165 balls, Gill looked in complete control, reaching 103 not out off 143 deliveries with remarkable ease. His innings, studded with 11 boundaries and a six, carried an air of inevitability, as if he were merely participating in a training session.
India had strong control over the match and looked set to impose their terms for the remainder of the match.
Afghanistan looking for a way back – With their players feeling exhausted, the visitors opted not to take the second new ball late in the day, but expected to take it straight away on the second morning. It is imperative that they account for the new ball if they are to prevent India from knocking them out of the competition. Rishabh Pant was uncharacteristically restricted while at the crease, and it remains to be seen whether the handbrake will come off on day two. Ideally, the home side will want to bat once, bat big and put Afghanistan under enormous pressure On the scoreboard. Join us again on Sunday 7 June, when the first ball of day two will be bowled at 9.30am EST (4am GMT). Until then, take care and bye!
Gill and Rahul led the attack – After India won the toss, KL Rahul had to struggle early in his innings against the slower nature of the surface, but he gradually grew in confidence and eventually produced a well-made century. Sai Sudharsan looked positive from the start and played fluently throughout his stay at the crease before falling short of what would have been his maiden Test hundred. Both batsmen rode their luck with Rahul scoring one when he was on 16, but Afghanistan chose not to review, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz wasted a difficult chance when Sudharsen was on 20. Shubman Gill looked in complete control during his stay at the crease, and as the Afghan bowlers began to tire in the final session, Gill and Rishabh Pant combined to put pressure on India’s advantage.
Afghanistan had to work hard – the tourists showed signs of promise with the new ball, but what little moisture was available in the morning gradually disappeared. That left the bowlers with very little help from the surface after that. However, Afghanistan’s speedsters deserve a lot of praise. Despite the sweltering heat, they continued to work throughout the day, with Ziaur Rahman and Mohammad Saleem looking the most capable of creating chances. Debutant left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote initially struggled to maintain his consistency, but over the last hour or so, he started finding the right areas with more regularity.
Let’s hear from one of the centurions – KL Rahul says he feels really happy to have spent some time in the middle and to have made the switch from T20 to Test in a really short time. He adds that the ball was not coming well, and the track seemed slow, which is what they expected after the training we had here. KL believes that there is nothing better than spending time in the middle, because that is the best way you can evaluate the course or conditions. Rahul says he has changed his approach to the T20 format and believes not having as much time to execute helps sometimes as well. He says that in the morning session, he played more shots than usual, but he is not angry that such things happen. The track feels it will help bowling well, and bowlers will start to bowl when the cracks start to open up.
Dominant day for India – After centuries from Shubman Gill and Rahul, the home team took advantage of conditions that did not trouble the batsmen much after the opening session. It was a tough day at the office for Afghanistan, as they were unable to put the ball together for long periods. The inexperience of a team still settling into Test cricket has been evident at times, but these are the days that could prove invaluable in the long run.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 368/3 (84.6 overs)
The result after
85
Amounts
368 – 3
- Shubman Gill 103 (143)
- Rishabh Pant 50 (70)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Full and on off, Shubman Gill punches this one through square leg for a single. That would be trunks on day one.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 367/3 (84.5 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, 19th Test for Pant! He’s very different from Pant Noc, but he’s done a really good job of restraining his natural self, respecting the conditions and grinding hard throughout his half-century, saying this despite Pant smoking 3 biggies and 2 boundaries. At a good length, Pant opens the face of his bat and guides it into the third man region to bring up his half-century in one stroke.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 366/3 (84.4 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, On a length, around the pads, Gill flicks this over a diving fielder to mid-wicket for just one. Even the speculators are tired at this point.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 365/3 (84.3 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Fuller delivery, at the line of the stumps, Gill punches this one to mid off.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 365/3 (84.2 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Behind the length, around off, Rishabh Pant clips this point to rotate the strike.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 364/3 (84.1 overs)
Mohammed Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Good length, angled into batter, Pant blocks this one.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 364/3 (83.6 overs)
The result after
84
Amounts
364 – 3
- Shubman Gill 101 (140)
- Rishabh Pant 48 (67)
Nanjialia Kharot20-0-95-0
Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, around off, Gill defends this one.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 364/3 (83.5 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Full and around off, Pant drives this one through covers for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 363/3 (83.4 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Faster single, on off, Rishabh Pant defends it.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 363/3 (83.3 overs)
Nanjialia Kharot to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Pant has resisted the temptation to play this scoop for a long time but not on this occasion. Rishabh Pant, short and wide along the leg side, comes inside the line and sweeps it towards the fine leg fence for four runs.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 359/3 (83.2 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Turns it back, on a good length, on middle. The pants rush into the block but are hit on the inside edge and wear on the front pad.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 359/3 (83.1 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Short on off, around off, Gill cuts this one to deep point for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 358/3 (82.6 overs)
The result after
83
Amounts
358 – 3
- Rishabh Pant 43 (63)
- Shubman Gill 100 (138)
Mohammed Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Good length, Rishabh Pant bowls it but gets beaten.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 358/3 (82.5 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Shubman Gill’s 11th Test ton! Along the back of middle and leg, Gill bends inside the line of the ball and milks it past the right of the square leg fielder for a single to raise his horn on his home ground. It was a rather dreamy knock from the Indian skipper, and some of those strokes and shots off Gill’s bat were sublime.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 357/3 (82.4 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Good length, on the pads, Gill pushes this to square leg. Pant was charging for one song but Gill brought him back.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 357/3 (82.3 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, lofted delivery, on the pads, Gill flicks this one straight to mid off.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 357/3 (82.2 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Shubman Gill, Back of a length, outside off, Gill hits this one over covers. It stays at 99
Go back in the form of Muhammad Selim. It looks as if Afghanistan will receive the new ball tomorrow, when its speed is new and conditions are likely to provide further assistance.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 357/3 (82.1 overs)
Mohammad Saleem to Rishabh Pant, Saleem bowls this full and wide, Pant opens the face of his bat and directs this into the deep third region for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 356/3 (81.6 overs)
The result after
82
Amounts
356 – 3
- Rishabh Pant 42 (61)
- Shubman Gill 99 (134)
May God have mercy on me, my martyr17-0-61-0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Down the cutter, around off, Pant gently pushes this through covers for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 355/3 (81.5 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Full and on the pads, Gill flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 354/3 (81.4 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, Arm delivery, around the pads, Gill stands tall and puts this one through the square leg region. Calls for two people instantly and completes easily.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 352/3 (81.3 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Shubman Gill, released a Fire in the mix, up the middle and outside, and Gill keeps it at bay.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 352/3 (81.2 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Loopy delivery, around off, Pant hammers this over long on for one.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 351/3 (81.1 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, four! Top four in the pant column in this competition. Short of length, on middle and outside off, Pant swings back and pulls this across the mid-wicket region for four runs. 350 comes to India.
May God have mercy on my martyr. Continue…
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 347/3 (80.6 overs)
The result after
81
Amounts
347 – 3
- Rishabh Pant 36 (58)
- Shubman Gill 96 (131)
Nanjialia Kharot19-0-89-0
Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, the 100-run stand comes between Pant and Gill. Full and wide, Pant hits this to long on for one.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 346/3 (80.5 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Tossed up, around off, Gill drives this away at long on for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 345/3 (80.4 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Very full this time on middle and outside off, Pant punches this through the bowler to his right for a single. Half stop from the player but the ball still drips behind him for a minute.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 344/3 (80.3 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Rishabh Pant, Kharote throws this one full and on middle and leg. The pants offer a straight bat and keep it out.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 344/3 (80.2 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Loopy delivery, around off, Gill drives this one through covers for a single.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 343/3 (80.1 overs)
Nangeyalia Kharote to Shubman Gill, Under-cutter, down the leg side, Gill tickles this one towards the fine leg area for two runs.
The second new ball is now available. Afghanistan is sticking to the old ball for now.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 341/3 (79.6 overs)
The result after
80
Amounts
341 – 3
- Rishabh Pant 34 (55)
- Shubman Gill 92 (128)
May God have mercy on me, my martyr16-0-52-0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Tossed up, Pant defends this right back to the bowler.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 341/3 (79.5 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, Fuller around off, Pant cuts this one to point.
India vs Afghanistan Live Score: 341/3 (79.4 overs)
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Rishabh Pant, One drifts into the mix and straightens after the delivery. Rishabh Pant goes back inside the crease and keeps it out.
IND vs AFG live score, one-off Test match Day 2: KL Rahul’s composure and Shubman Gill’s effortless batting produced contrasting centuries as India compiled 368 for three against Afghanistan on the opening day of the one-off Test on Saturday, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Rahul, who reached his 12th Test with a patient 100 off 165 balls, embodied the virtues of a classic Test match, relying on sound defense and elegant driving after surviving an early chance. Meanwhile, Gil was the main aggressor, striking with such ease that it seemed like he was playing a training game. The Indian skipper remained unbeaten on 103 off 143 deliveries, his 11th Test century coming in just his 41st appearance.
Sai Sudharsan continued his impressive rise with an attractive 81 off 104 balls despite getting two reprieves, sharing a 139-run stand with KL KL after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal. Rishabh Pant then joined Gill in an entertaining, sustained partnership worth 121 runs, smashing three sixes during his unbeaten fifty.
The lively Afghan attack struggled to break through, with Mohammad Saleem taking two wickets while spinner Ziaur Rahman impressed without much reward. The inexperienced spin unit failed to exert control, conceding regularly as India hit 42 fours and four sixes.
With help available for spin on the surface, India are expected to bat briefly on the second morning before unleashing a slow three-pronged bowling attack.
