KL Rahul agonizing near-miss for a century on Day 2 of the first Test against England in Hyderabad could have been the cherry on top of a dominant Indian day. However, despite falling 14 runs short of the milestone, Rahul’s impactful 86 (123) laid the foundation for India’s strong position, with the hosts taking a commanding lead.
KL Rahul started with intent, dispatching boundaries with his trademark elegance. His cover drives and flicks off the English spinners were a treat to watch, as he accumulated runs steadily. Reaching fifty comfortably, he looked destined for a big score.
Partnering with the ever-reliable Shreyas Iyer, Rahul stitched a crucial 50-plus run stand that put India firmly in control. The duo navigated the English bowling with confidence, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike expertly.
Temptation Takes hold for KL Rahul
Just when a century seemed inevitable, KL Rahul tried to up the tempo. A long-hop from debutant spinner Tom Hartley proved too tempting, and KL Rahul miscued a pull shot, finding Rehan Ahmed at deep midwicket. His frustration at falling so close to the landmark was palpable.
Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box said: “KL Rahul has thrown away his wicket by playing the unnecessary aerial shot.”
Here is how people reacted:
India Remain in Firm Control: IND vs ENG
While KL Rahul dismissal was a minor setback, India’s position remains strong. With a sizeable lead and plenty of overs left in the game, the hosts are in the driver’s seat. Ravindra Jadeja continues to bat solidly with KS Bharat, and the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel are yet to come.
England, on the other hand, have their work cut out. Their bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, and their fielding also lacked sharpness. They now need a monumental effort with the bat in the second innings to get back into the game.
Day 2 belonged to KL Rahul, despite the bittersweet ending. His innings, filled with class and aggression, set the tone for India’s dominance. While he couldn’t reach the coveted three figures, his contribution remains invaluable as India march towards a potential victory in Hyderabad.
