KL Rahul Brings Up 12th Test Century as India Dominate Afghanistan in One-Off Test
KL Rahul played a calm and classy innings to bring up his 12th Test hundred during the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
The veteran opener was in the midst of an excellent innings in the ongoing match, bringing up the milestone on Day 1 after navigating the middle session alongside some of his teammates and helping India establish a solid foundation after they opted to bat first in the game. The century marked his 12th in Test cricket and his third on home soil.
At the point he achieved the hundred in 164 deliveries, Rahul remained unbeaten after anchoring the team’s innings through some masterful play, combining patience with skill. His century was vital at the current juncture of the game as India looked to make the most of excellent batting conditions. Rahul is someone who has often played the role of anchor in the longer format when the team has been in a difficult situation due to early wickets.
Rahul and Sudharsan Combine for Strong Partnership
The team was not off to an ideal start with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal departing on a score of 24 after adding 41 for the first wicket alongside Rahul. It was Mohammad Saleem Safi who got the early breakthrough to give Afghanistan a bit of a lift in the game.
However, Rahul found a brilliant partner in Sai Sudharsan. The two combined for a vital partnership that put India in the driver’s seat in the contest. Sudharsan looked very comfortable at the crease and played some excellent shots during his stay, reaching a magnificent 81 from 104 deliveries. He smashed 13 boundaries before being caught behind of Safi.
When Sudharsan departed, the Indian innings had already gathered great momentum, and Rahul continued to hold the other end.
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Rahul Continues Form From IPL 2026
Rahul’s century in this contest is further proof of his brilliant form this year, having had an excellent run during the IPL 2026 season where he played for the Delhi Capitals.
The right-hander smashed 593 runs in 14 games at a phenomenal average of 45.61 and a strike rate of 174.41, including one hundred and five half-centuries, with the best score being 152 not out. Rahul also hit 56 fours and 31 sixes during the tournament, making him one of the highest run-getters in the competition and for the Delhi Capitals.
It would appear the confidence he gathered in that white-ball campaign has now translated to the longer format, as he combines composure with class to steer the Indian ship after the departure of Jaiswal.
Rahul has put India in a very strong position in the game having registered his 12th Test century, and will look to continue the momentum with Shubman Gill at the other end.