KL Rahul and Shubman Gill both scored centuries as India dominated the first day of their Test against Afghanistan at New Chandigarh.

Afghanistan struggled to find any openings, with India taking full advantage to put themselves in control at 368-3 by stumps.

With the city hosting a Test for the first time, Afghanistan threatened to make a strong start, with Mohammad Saleem (2-67) dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) at the end of the 12th over.

However, Rahul and Sai Sudharsan combined for a 139-run partnership for the second wicket, though the former ran his luck throughout his stand.

Sudharsan reached 81 before Saleem sent him back to the pavilion, and Rahul (100) brought up his gritty century in the 61st over before being caught on the next delivery, at which point Gill stepped up his game.

The India captain thrived after the tea break, aided by a worn-down attack, as he reached 103 not out by stumps. He was helped by Rishabh Pant, who rounded out the day by reaching his half-century on the penultimate ball, giving Afghanistan work to do on day two.

Stumps on Day

Fabulous centuries from Captain Shubman Gill and Vice-captain KL Rahul power #TeamIndia's charge 

We will resume proceedings tomorrow at 368/3

Scorecard https://t.co/Au50EfVM30#INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/sjVmjH8WLv

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026

India show their strength with the bat

Afghanistan may look back on day one and feel that they missed a lot of openings that could have turned this match in their favour, especially early on.

In the 11th over, Rahul slashed at a wide delivery with a big appeal, though Afghanistan opted against a review. Had they not done so, replays showed Rahul had edged it, which could have changed the course of the innings.

As it was, Rahul scored his 12th century in Test cricket, which, coupled with Gill's 11th in the format, meant India look on course to march towards a big total.

India have lost five out of their last seven men's Tests played at home, including their last two on the bounce (W2) coming into this, but they will feel confident that they can avoid making that three.