India’s six-month wait for Test cricket finally ended on Saturday, June 6th, as they took the field against Afghanistan. However, the anticipated explosive start for Team India quickly turned into a tense, high-stakes drama in the scorching 40-degree heat of Mullanpur.

While Indian captain Shubman Gill won a crucial toss and elected to bat first, Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack ensured that the hosts' joy was incredibly short-lived.

The First Hour: Afghan Bowlers Stifle India

Expectations were high for a dominant Indian batting display, but Afghanistan's fast bowlers had other plans. Bowling with lethal precision, they choked the runs and consistently troubled the Indian opening duo of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Within the first 12 overs, a relentless Afghan attack created three distinct wicket-taking opportunities—though they needed a bit of luck to capitalize on them. The first chance came in the sixth over when Jaiswal edged a delivery just past a diving gully fielder for a tough missed chance.

Umpire Blunders, Afghanistan Blinks

The real drama unfolded in the 11th over. KL Rahul attempted a cut shot, only for the ball to clearly take the edge of his bat and fly straight to the wicketkeeper.

Despite a roaring appeal from the Afghan fielders and a distinct sound of wood on leather, the on-field umpire turned it down. In a shocking lapse of judgment, Afghanistan chose not to review the decision. Replays later confirmed a massive spike on UltraEdge—meaning both the umpire and Afghanistan missed a golden opportunity to dismiss Rahul for just 16.

India’s Relief Cut Short

The Turning Point: Team India's sigh of relief lasted exactly one over.

On the final delivery of the 12th over, Afghanistan finally got their reward. Yashasvi Jaiswal tried to glance a Mohammad Salim delivery down the leg side, only to feather it straight to wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai. This time, there was no doubt, and the umpire's finger went up immediately.

Jaiswal was forced to trudge back to the pavilion for a gritty 24, leaving India at a shaky 41/1 and turning what should have been a dream start into a hard-fought opening session.