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London – On a testing Day 2 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, KL Rahul once again proved his mettle on tough pitches with a composed and resilient half-century that drew high praise from cricket legend Anil Kumble. The second day of the third Test between India and England saw gripping action as both teams exchanged blows in a tightly contested session, but it was Rahul’s gritty knock under pressure that stood out.
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Resuming play on Friday morning, England added 136 runs to their overnight total of 251/4, finishing with a commanding 387 in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers for India, claiming his second consecutive five-wicket haul (5/74) and once again showing why he remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
But the day truly belonged to KL Rahul, who held the Indian innings together on a pitch that offered considerable help to the fast bowlers. Batting under overcast conditions and against a fiery Jofra Archer spell that touched 150 kmph, Rahul showed immense patience and skill, reaching his fifty in 134 deliveries. His knock, though short of flamboyance, was rich in grit, judgment, and temperament.
Kumble’s High Praise for Rahul
Speaking on JioHotstar during the day’s coverage, former India captain and coach Anil Kumble lauded Rahul’s approach and application.
“It was fantastic — a typical KL Rahul innings where he had to grind it out,” Kumble said. “It was a fiery spell from Jofra Archer, especially that first burst with pace, bounce, and swing. KL countered all of that brilliantly. He was clinical in his approach and looked in control.”
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“It was a very disciplined and mature knock, and I’m sure he’ll be satisfied with how he played. On a pitch like this, you can’t be flashy. You need a lot of composure and clarity. KL displayed that throughout his innings,” Kumble added.
Rahul’s half-century couldn’t have come at a better time for India, who found themselves in a tricky position after losing three key wickets — Yashasvi Jaiswal (13), Karun Nair (40), and captain Shubman Gill (16). With the team trailing by 242 runs and England pressing hard with the new ball, Rahul dug in alongside Rishabh Pant (19* at stumps) to guide India to 145/3 at close of play.
Jonathan Trott: ‘He nullified the early threat’
Former England batter Jonathan Trott, who was also part of the broadcast panel, echoed Kumble’s sentiments and praised Rahul for his shot selection and defensive technique.
“I don’t think you can go out there and dictate terms to the bowlers on this pitch,” Trott said. “You have to be watchful. It’s very much a new-ball wicket. KL was excellent in nullifying that early threat and played very straight.”
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Trott compared Rahul’s effort to that of Indian captain Shubman Gill in the second Test, saying:
“Just like Shubman Gill did in the second Test, using a straight bat, being patient when the ball’s on the stumps, and capitalising on the bad balls — that’s how you survive and score runs here.”
Rahul’s calculated restraint, particularly in leaving deliveries outside off stump and waiting for loose balls, helped India recover from a slightly shaky start. He rotated the strike smartly and allowed Pant, known for his counterattacking flair, to settle in.
England’s Innings: Root’s Masterclass, Bumrah’s Brilliance
Earlier in the day, England’s innings was built around a sublime century from Joe Root, who scored a composed 104 off 199 balls — his 37th in Test cricket. Root’s classical strokeplay and ability to grind out runs once again proved vital for England in building a big total on a pitch that started showing signs of wear.
Though India struck early through Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, reducing England to 290/7 at one stage, a spirited lower-order effort saw the hosts add crucial runs. Brydon Carse, batting at No. 9, played a career-best innings of 56, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith contributed a valuable 51. Their efforts pushed the total close to 400, setting the stage for England to control the Test.
Bumrah’s late strikes helped India avoid a complete lower-order onslaught, and his spell was a reminder of why he continues to be India’s pace spearhead. This performance marked his 15th five-wicket haul in Tests — a milestone he achieved in just 38 matches.
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The Situation Heading Into Day 3
At stumps, India found themselves at 145/3, still 242 runs behind. KL Rahul was the cornerstone of the Indian innings, remaining watchful but not stagnant. His partnership with Rishabh Pant will be crucial in India’s hopes of avoiding a first-innings deficit and pushing for a competitive position.
Pant, unbeaten on 19, looked fluent in his brief stay, playing with his usual aggression but also showing restraint when needed. With Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and the lower order still to come, India will be looking to build a strong reply on Day 3.
For England, the plan will be simple — early wickets with the second new ball, and pressure through Archer, Anderson, and Stokes to tilt the balance. With the pitch showing signs of uneven bounce and the odd ball keeping low, batting is likely to become increasingly challenging.
Rahul’s Redemption Arc
KL Rahul’s journey in this series has been one of redemption and resilience. After missing several months due to injury in 2024, his place in the side was questioned. But a century in the first Test at Trent Bridge and now this fighting half-century at Lord’s have solidified his position as India’s most reliable top-order batter on overseas pitches.
Known for his elegance and adaptability, Rahul has matured significantly over the years. His transformation from a stroke-filled, sometimes impulsive batsman to a dependable Test player who can grind out long innings has been evident in this series.
Looking Ahead
Day 3 at Lord’s promises to be another riveting chapter in what has already been a closely fought series. With England leading 1-0 after their win in the second Test, India are under pressure to draw level. Much will depend on the Rahul-Pant stand and how the Indian middle order copes with the challenges of the deteriorating surface.
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India’s immediate aim will be to avoid the follow-on and then look to build a total that keeps them in the game. With weather expected to remain dry but overcast, bowlers are likely to continue enjoying assistance from the conditions.
Anil Kumble’s praise of Rahul isn’t just a one-off compliment — it reflects the growing consensus among former cricketers and pundits that KL Rahul has become India’s anchor in Test cricket, especially in challenging foreign conditions.
As the Lord’s crowd prepares for what could be a pivotal third day, all eyes will once again be on Rahul — the craftsman at the crease, quietly shaping India’s response with steel and style.
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