Indian Test vice-captain, KL Rahul made sure he capitalized on his reprieve by making his 12th Test hundred during the first day of the only Test played between India and Afghanistan at Mullanpur. His knock showcased just how well he is performing in the red ball format and completely dominated the proceedings for India. Rahul got to the three-figure mark in 164 balls before falling soon after scoring his century; however, he made sure that he laid down a good base for his team.

Rahul was involved in a tricky situation while batting at 16 runs. He nicked off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and the ball sailed past the wicketkeeper. However, the captain of the Afghan side decided not to utilize the DRS after the umpire denied his appeal. Later on, it was revealed that there was a definite edge. With this reprieve, Rahul scored 100 runs from 165 balls and scored 11 fours along the way.

Rahul’s composed innings and pitch conditions ahead of day 1

KL Rahul pleased with smooth switch from IPL to Test cricket

After the end of Day 1 against Afghanistan in the one off-test, he said, "I had to make that switch of letting the ball go and getting used to the conditions. Training did help a lot. I did feel the urge to play few shots and I don't think it is a bad thing. It's something I have been telling myself as well. Sometimes you sit and over analyze. I try and not restrict my shots."

KL Rahul, after hitting his 12th century in Tests, stated that the most satisfying thing was the fact that he had adapted himself well in the format following the IPL tournament. The opening batsman stated that it wasn’t easy at all and he had a tough time adjusting to the conditions. According to Rahul, the ball was slower than what he had anticipated and the heat made the situation even tougher for him. However, thanks to the practice sessions by the side before the match, he managed to pull through and didn’t overanalyze things while batting.

Spinners to play a major role as the test progresses

Rahul expects the spinners to play a vital role in the later sessions of the test, as he said, "Anyone who can bowl over the top as a spinner and vary their pace and keep the wickets in play, I think they'll find it rewarding and there will definitely be some help. There's a bit of rough as well. So Washi (Washington Sundar) and Manav (Suthar), if they are bowling to right-handers and left-handers respectively, I think the rough will be in play and hopefully we can build that pressure and put the balls in the right areas and get some wickets early on and put pressure on them."

Looking ahead to the remainder of the match, Rahul predicted that the surface would become increasingly difficult for batters. He pointed out that cracks had already started opening up and that the loose top layer of soil could create uneven bounce over the next few days. According to Rahul, both fast bowlers and spinners are likely to find assistance if they maintain disciplined lines and lengths. He particularly highlighted India's spin attack, featuring Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and debutant Manav Suthar. Rahul noted that the rough patches developing on the pitch could become a key factor and help India build pressure when Afghanistan begin their innings.