New Delhi: India delivered a strong performance on opening day of theone-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, June 6. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill smashed brilliant centuries, while Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan also chipped in with crucial runs.

After Saleem Safi removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 24 runs, Sudharsan played stunning shots and forged a 139-run partnership for the second wicket with Rahul, helping India to recover from an early setback. On the eve of the Test, India head coach Gautam Gambhir said that the left-handed batter will get a long rope as six matches aren’t enough to judge someone’s talent while trying to build a team.

Sudharsan then repaid the Gambhir’s faith by scoring 81 runs on the opening day in New Chandigarh. After the match, Sudharsan said that Gambhir’s words gave him freedom and mental certainty. The left-handed batter also thanked the team and the captain for backing him.

“They want you to do well for the team and win games. It is such an honour at (the) first place. Obviously, it gives a lot of freedom for you to express yourself and do what you can do at your best, rather than thinking about “will I play the next game or not?” or whatever thought of that sort,” Sudharsan said at the day-end press conference.

After forging a 139-run partnership with KL Rahul for the second wicket, Sudhrsan praised Rahul and said that their conversation was more about understanding the game situation, and he gave him so much certainty.

“With KL bhai, you know, he gives so much composure. When I bat with him, he gives so much certainty. It helps as a batter, and he sees the game very well, so he gives a lot of useful cues which we would use in the game,” Sudharsan said.

The Men in Blue will bat for more than a session and a half on Day 2 before declaration and unleashing their bowlers on Afghanistan.