KL Rahul takes blame for Rishabh Pant's run-out on Day 3 of IND vs ENG 3rd Test, says 'Told him I will get my 100...'

KL Rahul revealed the cause of Rishabh Pant's run out on Day 3 of the third Test between India and England

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India's Rishabh Pant (L) and KL Rahul in frame

India's Rishabh Pant (L) and KL Rahul in frame

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KL Rahul reacted to Rishabh Pant's run out dismissal on Day 3 of India vs England third Test

Rishabh Pant was dismissed after scoring 74 off 112

When the chips were down it was KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant who delivered for India on Day 2 of the third Test against England at Lord's. When KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant came together to bat on Day 3, India was trailing England's first-innings total by 242 runs. However, the pair forged a robust 141-run partnership to steady India's boat that reduced their deficit to 140. Unfortunately for India, luck was not on their side. In the final over before the lunch interval, Ben Stokes affected Pant's run out at 74 while attempting to get Rahul back on strike, who was nearing his century.

Speaking at the presser after the Day 3's play, Rahul said that Pant's run-out was possibly a result of his unselfish intentions.

“A couple of hours before that, I had told him I’d try to get to my hundred before lunch if possible. And with Bashir bowling that last over before lunch, I thought it was a good chance for me to get there. Unfortunately, I hit the ball straight to the fielder. I was aware I could’ve placed it for a boundary, but I didn’t," Rahul said during the press conference.

"I think Rishabh just wanted to rotate the strike and see if he could get me back on strike. But yeah, that run-out shouldn’t have happened at that stage—it really changed the momentum. It was disappointing for both of us. Obviously, nobody wants to throw their wicket away like that,” he added.

Despite nursing a finger injury sustained while fielding on Day 1, Pant showed his commitment by stepping up to bat at number five for India. He had spent a significant portion of the opening day off the field, with Dhruv Jurel temporarily taking over wicket-keeping duties. However, when it was his turn to bat, Pant played in his characteristic attacking style while maintaining control.

At the end of Day 2, India found themselves in a precarious position, having lost three quick wickets. But the third morning saw a remarkable recovery led by Pant and Rahul, who forged a partnership of over 100 runs. Just as the lunch break approached, however, a lapse in judgment led to Pant's dismissal for 74 runs, as he was run out by Ben Stokes at short cover.

While Rahul went on to achieve his century after lunch, his innings was short-lived, as he was dismissed for exactly 100 by Shoaib Bashir. Nevertheless, the contributions from Rahul and Pant were crucial in helping India recover from their shaky start and match England's first-innings total of 387.

The lower order also played a vital role, with significant contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, ensuring India reached parity with England's score. In response, England came out to bat for a single, eventful over before the close of play. This over was marked by high tension due to a delayed restart and some heated exchanges between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley.

By the close of Day 3's play England were placed at 2/0 with Crawley (2*) and Ben Duckett (0*) intact on the crease.

 

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