IND vs ENG: KL Rahul excels in Virat Kohli's batting position, hits half-century in his 50th Test

IND vs ENG: KL Rahul excels in Virat Kohli’s batting position, hits half-century in his 50th Test

India batter KL Rahul, stepping into the crucial number four batting position typically occupied by Virat Kohli, showcased his class and temperament with a gritty fifty in his 50th Test match. Rahul’s proficiency was on full display as he notched up a resilient half-century, guiding India to a commanding position in the first session of Day 2 of the first Test.

The day began with England’s captain Joe Root taking the ball and making an immediate impact by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal in the very first over. Rahul, who had a close shave on the next delivery with a chance dropped by wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, capitalized on this reprieve and steadied the Indian innings. His partner at the other end, Shubman Gill, struggled to find the rhythm and eventually succumbed to Tom Hartley, giving the bowler his first Test wicket.

| IND v ENG, 1st Test Scorecard |

Meanwhile, Rahul displayed an impressive performance, showcasing impeccable timing and drawing confidence from his recent century against South Africa at Centurion earlier this month. Despite the challenging conditions at the RGI Stadium, which differed significantly from the SuperSport Park, and with England’s spinners settling into an improved rhythm, Rahul demonstrated technical correctness against both spin and pace. His steadfastness contributed to India scoring 103 runs at a rate of 3.81 runs per over.

Executing light footwork akin to a ballet dancer, Rahul met Tom Hartely’s delivery midway, sending it through long-on for a boundary. His impeccable timing was evident when he punched pacer Mark Wood through the covers for another four.

RAHUL SHINES AT NO.4

Rahul’s ability to improvise shone through as he paddle-pulled Wood for a four behind square leg. Shortly after, he reached his 14th Test fifty by taking a single off Joe Root. As Shreyas Iyer joined Rahul at the crease, England’s pace attack, led by Mark Wood, ramped up the pressure. Despite Wood’s challenging spell, Iyer managed to settle in, particularly against England’s spinners. Together, Rahul and Iyer built a solid partnership, with Rahul reaching his fifty and Iyer contributing valuable runs.

India’s session was productive, yielding 103 runs from 27 overs at the cost of two wickets. The partnership between Rahul and Iyer not only steadied the ship after the early loss of Jaiswal but also set a platform for India to aim for a substantial first-innings total. Their objective would be clear: to bat deep, amass a significant lead, and potentially bat England out of the game, leveraging the advantage they had worked hard to establish.

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