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.
After signaling for the medical team to inspect the issue on the pitch, Rahul was forced to retire hurt without facing another ball. He was subsequently seen painfully hobbling up the pavilion steps, with match commentary speculating that severe cramping may have been the primary cause of his sudden exit.
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