IND vs SL 1st Test: Massive blow to India as KL Rahul walks off the field after getting retired hurt at 77

Opening the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on August 15, KL Rahul put India in a dominant position before an unexpected injury halted his strokeplay. Teaming up with fellow Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal, the pair constructed a formidable 150-run alliance off 255 balls. Rahul anchored the innings with a patient 77 off 162 deliveries, placing the visitors firmly in control as the second session drew to a close.

KL Rahul retires hurt after picking cramps

Disaster struck right as the third session was scheduled to begin. The 34-year-old had already shown signs of distress during the Tea interval, gesturing toward his forearm in obvious pain, which briefly delayed his walk back to the middle. Although he initially stepped onto the field to resume his innings alongside Padikkal, the discomfort quickly proved overwhelming.

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After signaling for the medical team to inspect the issue on the pitch, Rahul was forced to retire hurt without facing another ball.

Television cameras captured a concerning sight as KL Rahul struggled to navigate the pavilion stairs, relying heavily on Indian team physio Kamlesh Jain to guide him back to the dressing room for medical care. His abrupt exit cut short a magnificent 150-run second-wicket stand with his state teammate Devdutt Padikkal. Together, the Karnataka pair had thoroughly worn down the Sri Lankan attack, laying a rock-solid foundation for the team.

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Before physical distress halted his knock, Rahul played a crucial anchoring role following the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Battling stifling humidity in Galle, he compiled a patient 21st Test half-century, featuring nine fours and a maximum, to place India in total control at 197/1 in 53 overs. Skipper Shubman Gill stepped out to replace his injured opener at the crease, while uncertainty lingers over whether Rahul will be medically cleared to resume his innings later in the match.

India's playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill(c), Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Sri Lanka's playing XI:

Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando