India vice-captain KL Rahul expressed satisfaction with the team's 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle. Rahul emphasized the importance of the win for team confidence in spin-friendly conditions and praised Devdutt Padikkal's maiden century.
KL Rahul praises Devdutt Padikkal's maiden Test century (167) in India's 462 all-out against Sri Lanka, citing years of quiet dedication behind the scenes.
India ends Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 460/9 in Galle, with Devdutt Padikkal's 167 being the highlight, despite Sri Lanka's bowlers fighting back strongly.
India's Devdutt Padikkal scored a magnificent 167 off 230 balls against Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle, anchoring the visitors' innings despite rain interruptions and joining an elite list of Indian number 3 batters.
Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 on a memorable opening day, helping India reach 288/2 against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century with an unbeaten 131, helping India reach 288-2 against Sri Lanka on a rain-hit opening day of the first Test in Galle.
India's KL Rahul is fine after suffering cramps and retiring hurt on 77 against Sri Lanka, while Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 to put India in control at 288 for two on day one.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak credited Devdutt Padikkal's preparation after the left-hander scored an unbeaten 131 to lead India to 288 for two on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century, finishing unbeaten on 131, to help India reach 288 for 2 on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
India's captain Shubman Gill suffered a right ring finger injury during practice, prompting KL Rahul to lead the team in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI before the two-Test series.
India's Shubman Gill regains the No. 1 spot in ICC ODI batting rankings, surpassing New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell who missed recent series, with Gill now leading at 801 rating points.
India consistently uses T20I tours of Zimbabwe as a platform to debut emerging cricket talent, a tradition dating back to 2010 with players like Virat Kohli. The 2024 series saw new faces such as Abhishek Sharma, and the upcoming 2026 tour is expected to introduce more uncapped players.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer compared KL Rahul's talent and technical ability to Virat Kohli's, stating Rahul is "at par" but Kohli's elite mentality and consistency create the separation. Jaffer highlighted Rahul's underachievement despite immense skill.
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth criticized the Indian team management for sending KL Rahul to bat at No. 6 during the third ODI against England at Lord's, arguing it was an injustice and a poor strategic decision given Rahul's past performance in run-chases.
Former India bowler Dodda Ganesh questioned the decision to rest KL Rahul for the final ODI against Afghanistan, stating the wicketkeeper-batter had faced only 20 balls in the series. Ishan Kishan kept wickets in Rahul's absence.
Rishabh Pant is reportedly set to return to Delhi Capitals, his former IPL franchise, in a blockbuster trade that would send Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants. Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul to enter the auction if the move for Pant materializes.
Rishabh Pant is reportedly returning to his former IPL team, Delhi Capitals, after two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants. This potential trade also involves Kuldeep Yadav moving to LSG. Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul, who has performed well for DC, to enter the auction if Pant's move is finalized.
Despite sealing the ODI series against Afghanistan, India's final game is crucial for team management to test combinations and provide opportunities for fringe players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will get another batting chance after a previous failure. Arshdeep Singh may be rested, and batting order reshuffled.
India has experimented with its lineup in the ODI series against Afghanistan, with KL Rahul's lower-order batting position drawing criticism. Former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes Rahul should bat higher, and also questioned the series' scheduling amidst player fatigue.
KL Rahul is proving to be a vital middle-order batsman for India, showcasing stability, acceleration, and versatility. His recent form, including a century and a quick cameo, strengthens his bid for the 2027 ODI World Cup squad, offering crucial flexibility to the team.
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed veteran opener Rohit Sharma, emphasizing his experience and leadership despite recent form dips and age concerns. Bahutule also praised KL Rahul's adaptability and consistent performance across formats.
Gautam Gambhir's animated reaction to KL Rahul's stunning six against Afghanistan in the first ODI became a talking point. Rahul's unbeaten 39 and Shubman Gill's 84* guided India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
India strengthened its position in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, declaring at 564/8 before reducing Afghanistan to 113/5, trailing by 451 runs, with debutant Manav Suthar impressing with 3/21.
India takes control of the one-off Test against Afghanistan with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill scoring contrasting centuries, finishing Day 1 at 368/3.
