Gavaskar Hails Jaiswal-Rahul Opening Stand After India’s Strong Start Against Afghanistan

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lauded openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for giving India a solid platform on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan.

India reached 96/1 at lunch after electing to bat, with Jaiswal contributing 24 and Rahul remaining unbeaten before later scoring a century. Gavaskar said the pair helped settle dressing-room nerves on an unpredictable first-day surface and handled the new-ball challenge impressively. He also felt Jaiswal was unfortunate to be dismissed down the leg side after looking fluent.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann backed Rahul to convert his start, which he eventually did. Rahul’s hundred and B. Sai Sudharsan’s 81 put India firmly in control.