IND vs AFG: Shubman Gill-Led Team India Register Largest Victory In Test Cricket With Massive Win Over Afghanistan

India defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test at Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The result marked India's second-largest victory in Test history.

India dictated the tempo from the outset, choosing to bat first on a flat surface. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front and scored the 11th Test century of his career and his maiden ton against Afghanistan. He was ably supported by KL Rahul, who scored the 12th century of his Test career. Afghanistan, in contrast, struggled to adapt to the demands of red-ball cricket, with both bat and ball failing to match India's intensity and execution.

On the back of these performances, India declared the first innings at a total of 564/8, built on a composed 126 from Gill and a fluent

century by KL Rahul. Contributions from Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar further pushed the total beyond reach. Afghanistan's lone bright spot came from Mohammad Saleem, who picked up six wickets in a tireless effort.

However, the defining phase of the match came with the ball, as debutant Manav Suthar spun a web around the Afghan batting lineup, claiming 6 for 33 in the first innings. In the process, he became the 10th bowler to take a 5-wicket haul on Test debut. Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 and, after being forced to follow on, collapsed again for 112, sealing a comprehensive Indian victory.

Afghanistan Failed To Get Out Of 'Spin Web'

India's approach to spin bowling proved decisive in dismantling Afghanistan. Under Gill's leadership, the hosts combined defensive discipline with attacking intent, building sustained pressure through dot balls while positioning close-in fielders to capitalise on mistakes.

Suthar's spell stood out not just for its numbers but for its method. Using drift, over-spin and subtle variations in flight, he consistently forced Afghan batters into uncomfortable cross-batted shots. This brought fielders into play and created a steady stream of chances. Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav complemented him effectively, ensuring the opposition had no respite.

In contrast, Afghanistan's spin attack lacked the same tactical clarity. Bowlers like Nangeyalia Kharote operated at a quicker pace and flatter trajectory, allowing Indian batters to settle and play off the back foot. The inability to extract drift or vary pace meant India faced minimal threat, turning what could have been a competitive surface into a one-sided contest.

Exceptional Game Management From Shubman Gill

A key turning point came with Gill's decision to enforce the follow-on immediately after Afghanistan's first innings collapse. With temperatures soaring near 40°C, the move exploited both physical fatigue and psychological pressure. Afghanistan, already demoralised by Suthar's spell, were pushed straight back into the field, leading to a sharp decline in concentration.

This decision paid off quickly as wickets fell in clusters during the second innings. Despite a brief resistance from Sediqullah Atal, the batting unit failed to recover, succumbing to disciplined bowling and mounting scoreboard pressure.

Afghanistan's tactical shortcomings extended beyond batting. Missed opportunities with the Decision Review System, including a clear edge from Rahul early in his innings, proved costly. Additionally, lapses in slip fielding and inconsistent field placements allowed India to build partnerships without interruption. These errors not only compounded the pressure but also reflected a lack of cohesion in execution.