KL Rahul retires hurt, leaving India worried despite a strong start in the first Test against Sri Lanka
KL Rahul was forced to retire hurt on 77 off 162 balls after suffering severe cramps.© Getty
India vice-captain KL Rahul was forced to retire with a knock of 77 off 162 balls after suffering severe cramps at the start of the final session on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday. Right-handed batsman Rahul, who batted patiently for 162 balls to put India in a commanding position, was out to resume his innings alongside Devdutt Padikkal (85 not out) after the tea break. Before the end of the first half, Rahul received treatment from a physiotherapist after a spasm appeared in his right forearm in the 51st minute.
However, before the ongoing final session began, Rahul, 34, immediately indicated to the umpires that he was feeling extremely uncomfortable and unable to grip his bat properly. Things quickly got worse for Rahul as he felt cramps in his left hand and wrist. Grimacing and limping badly due to muscle spasms that also affected his legs, Rahul was unable to continue and had to be helped off the field by the team’s physiotherapist.
The broadcast footage also showed Rahul struggling to climb the dressing room stairs and requiring support from Indian team physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain to reach the visitors’ dressing room for further treatment.
India captain Shubman Gill replaced Rahul at the crease, joining Padikkal as the visitors were placed comfortably at 197/1 in 53 overs. Rahul’s retirement also brought an unfortunate end to his marathon 150-run partnership for the second wicket with Padikkal, his Karnataka teammate. The duo combined well to thwart the Sri Lankan attack and put India in a strong position.
Rahul stabilized the innings after the early loss of his opening partner Yashavi Jaiswal, braving the wet conditions in Galle to score his 21st Test half-century decorated with nine boundaries and a six. It is still unclear when Rahul will be ready to come back and bat later in India’s first innings.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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