The IND vs AFG One-off Test match is underway, with India batting first. The Indian team is led by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are opening the innings. The Afghans are bowling, with Mohammad Saleem Safi making an early breakthrough, dismissing Jaiswal for 24 off 32 balls. The partnership between Rahul and Sudharsan is growing, with Rahul showing his wide array of shots and Sudharsan opening his account. The Indian team is treating tight deliveries with respect and playing them with caution, while the loose balls have been smacked to the boundary ropes for fours. The match is being played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, marking the start of a new chapter for Afghanistan as they look to build their Test identity. India, on the other hand, is a side in transition, with the IPL showcasing the country's depth in white-ball cricket, but red-ball cricket is a different setup that requires patience and resilience. The Indians will be hoping to make it to the WTC final and this format is important. The match is also significant for Afghanistan, as it is their head coach Richard Pybus' first Test match in charge. The Afghans are without Rashid Khan, and their spin department consists of Qais, Ashraf and Kharote. The match is a chance for India to rebuild red-ball authority at home, after repeated damage to their home Test record across the last two seasons. New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 in 2024, ending India's 12-year unbeaten home-series run. South Africa beat India 2-0 in November 2025, their first Test series win in India in 25 years. The match is a chance for both teams to build their Test identity and establish themselves in the international cricket scene.
