IND vs ENG 1st Test Live: KL Rahul makes comeback in Indian test team after 2 years, century in practice match pays off – Indian opening batsman KL Rahul, who scored a brilliant century in the practice match against Select County XI at Durham, has made a comeback into the Indian test team after 2 years gap. KL Rahul last played a Test match against West Indies at Kingston 2019. (India tour of England)
1st Test. India XI: R Sharma, KL Rahul, C Pujara, V Kohli, A Rahane, R Pant, R Jadeja, S Thakur, J Bumrah, M Shami, M Siraj https://t.co/TrX6JMiei2 #ENGvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2021
KL Rahul got the opportunity as Shubhman Gill and Mayank Agarwal suffered injuries while Prithvi Shaw, who was added to the Test squad after Team India’s tour to Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the first two Tests as he will have to go through hotel quarantine. Other than KL Rahul there was no one in the Team who has the experince of opening the batting in Test cricket. Cheteshwar Pujara could have open the batting with Rohit Sharma but as he is struggling with the form Team India opt for KL Rahul.
One Team!
One Emotion!#TeamIndia #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/LJQ1jMmrV4
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2021
KL Rahul scored a century for the Indians in the three-day warm-up game against County Select XI. The batting line-up failed but Rahul along with Ravindra Jadeja was the shining light in the first innings. He also has scored a century as an opener in England against England in 2018. (India vs England)
KL Rahul in 2018-19
Matches – 15
Innings – 27
Runs – 578
Average – 22
100s – 1
50s -1
India tour of England
Rahul last played a Test match two years back in 2019 when India were on a tour of the West Indies. Rahul was then replaced by his best friend Mayank Agarwal who went on to become India’s permanent opener. After an unsuccessful Australia tour, Mayank was replaced by Shubman Gill who got injured during the practice. Mayank was hit on the head during a practice session and was ruled out of the first Test. Thus, now Rahul will open the batting for India in Test cricket for the first time.
Challengers for KL Rahul
Mayank Agarwal
Prithvi Shaw
Abhimanyu Easwaran
KL Rahul needs to make this chance count as Mayank Agarwal will be available for the 2nd Test and if KL does not perform he will be replaced by Mayank. While on the other hand, Prithvi Shaw will be available for the 3rd Test who will also push KL Rahul. If Rahul and other opening options fail then India also have a backup option in the name of Abhimanyu Easwaran.
