Indian opener KL Rahul has as soon as once more underscored his reliability in difficult abroad situations, etching his identify into the file books alongside former opener Virender Sehwag and Murali Vijay. Rahul’s gritty half-century within the second innings of the primary Take a look at in opposition to England at Headingley marks his ninth fifty-plus rating as an opener in SENA international locations (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia), a testomony to his constant efficiency on demanding international pitches.
KL Rahul’s consistency in SENA international locations
Rahul’s resilient knock positions him second solely to the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who holds the highest spot with a powerful 19 fifty-plus scores as an opener in SENA nations. Sehwag and Vijay now share the second place with Rahul, every having 9 scores of fifty or extra, whereas Gautam Gambhir follows with seven.
The Karnataka right-hander, recognized for his versatility and composure, displayed distinctive endurance and technical proficiency on a testing Headingley wicket. After contributing a strong 42 runs in India’s formidable first-innings complete of 471, Rahul confronted a stern problem from the English seamers on Day 3 and the morning of Day 4. His composed method noticed him attain his twenty sixth profession Take a look at fifty, a vital innings that not solely steadied India’s second innings but additionally propelled him into elite firm.
1️⃣8️⃣th Take a look at fifty for KL Rahul 👊🏏#Cricket #KLRahul #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/XlATCGplVx
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 23, 2025
Resuming Day 4 at 90/2 with a 96-run lead, India aimed to construct on their benefit with Rahul and captain Shubman Gill on the crease. Rahul, unbeaten on 47 in a single day, shortly introduced up his fifty, guiding India previous the 100-run mark and additional consolidating their general lead. Whereas Gill departed early after chopping an inswinger onto his stumps for eight, Rahul continued to anchor the innings by way of a difficult morning session, blunting the English assault.
Additionally READ: Highest third innings rating at Headingley – How a lot complete India have to submit in opposition to England in Leeds Take a look at?
Rahul’s potential to adapt to totally different roles within the high order and ship beneath stress has solidified his place as a mainstay within the Indian lineup, notably in essential abroad Exams. His constant performances in these demanding environments have earned him the well-deserved title of a “Mr. Dependable.”
Mr. Dependable- KL Rahul ⚡⚡#CricketTwitter #ENGvIND #KLRahul #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/leBqaYz237
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 23, 2025
SENA specialists: Indian openers with most fifty-plus scores
| Participant | Fifty-plus scores as opener in SENA |
|---|---|
| Sunil Gavaskar | 19 |
| KL Rahul | 09 |
| Virender Sehwag | 09 |
| Murali Vijay | 09 |
| Gautam Gambhir | 07 |
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