Afghans win hearts, earn respect from their opponents

Former England cricketer Kevin Pieterson and Union sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore reacted to the BCCI's post. Pieterson applauded Rahane saying, "Wonderful sportsmanship! Bravo!", while Rathore called it a "Super gesture."

The skipper appreciated the Afghanistan team saying, "...Credit to Afghanistan, they were fantastic. From here on it is only upwards and onwards for them. Their seamers bowled really well, especially in the third session yesterday and I am sure they will go a long way against all opponents."

Man-of-the-match Shikhar Dhawan, who smashed 107 off 96 balls, also congratulated Afghanistan for its Test debut.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate Afghanistan for reaching this level. It's only their first Test and they'll keep getting better as they play more. I would also like to wish them Eid Mubarak; it is a big day for them," he said.

"It is always a learning process and once they start winning they'll do really well. Big names are already coming out of their country already and doing really well in world cricket," he added.

Afghanistan, playing the first-ever Test, were bowled out for 109 and 103 inside two sessions  on day 2. India took 40 wickets on Friday after posting 474 in the first innings.

Rahane, who captained India on regular skipper Virat Kohli's absence, heaped praises on his own batting unit, especially openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay, who scored centuries in India's total.