KL Rahul played an impressive innings of 137 runs in the second innings of the ongoing Headingley Test. The India and England cricket teams are facing off in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. On Day four, Indian opener KL Rahul delivered a brilliant century in the match’s second innings. He struck 18 boundaries and scored 137 runs, helping India reach a formidable total of 364 all out.
KL Rahul also shared a vital 195-run partnership with Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket. Pant made history by scoring centuries in both innings of the match, hitting 134 and 118 to become the first Indian batsman to achieve twin centuries in a Test in England.
KL Rahul, who secured the opening position after Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, was dismissed for 42 runs in the first innings. However, he bounced back strongly with this crucial century in the second innings, marking his ninth Test hundred and third on English soil.
KL Rahul Responds to Low Test Batting Average: “Not Chasing Numbers Anymore”
After the close of play on day four, Indian opener KL Rahul spoke about his disappointing batting average in Test cricket. In an interview with Sky Sports, the right-handed batsman acknowledged his struggles but emphasized that he no longer focuses on statistics. Instead, he aims to enjoy playing Test cricket and make meaningful contributions whenever he gets the chance.
“Of course, it hurts when I see my average. But at this point, I don’t want to get caught up in numbers. My goal is to have an impact whenever I bat and to enjoy representing India in Test cricket, which is something I have loved since I was young,” Rahul said.
“I’m just concentrating on getting runs now. There was a time when I’d get good starts but failed to convert them into big scores, especially in Tests. I feel much calmer mentally and I’m no longer chasing statistics. I simply want to enjoy my cricket as much as possible,” added the 33-year-old.
Rahul currently holds a batting average of 34.71 from 59 Tests, accumulating 3,436 runs in 103 innings. His record includes 17 fifties and 9 centuries, with a highest score of 199. He made his Test debut in December 2014 against Australia.
Meanwhile, India has set a challenging target of 371 runs for the hosts in the ongoing Headingley Test. At the close of day four, Ben Stokes and company were 21 without loss, needing 350 more runs to secure victory.