KL Rahul’s gritty 90 in the fourth Test at Old Trafford was a display of sheer determination, falling just 10 runs short of a century that could have redefined India’s fight against England. Facing a mammoth 311-run deficit after England’s 669, Rahul’s composed innings, alongside an 188-run partnership with Shubman Gill, gave India a fighting chance to save the match. From a dramatic LBW dismissal by Ben Stokes to a historic milestone as one of Asia’s finest openers, Rahul’s performance was a blend of resilience and brilliance. Here’s a deep dive into his heroics, the intense moment with Stokes, and why his knock is a defining chapter in Indian cricket.
India’s Early Collapse Sets the Stage
The fourth Test at Old Trafford was a high-stakes battle, with India reeling at 0/2 in the first over of their second innings. England’s colossal first-innings total of 669 had left India trailing by 311 runs, and the pressure was immense on a pitch known for its pace and swing. KL Rahul, stationed at the non-striker’s end, watched as India’s top order crumbled, knowing the task ahead was daunting. Stepping up with captain Shubman Gill, Rahul embarked on a mission to stabilize the innings, bringing calmness and clarity to a team under fire.
The Rahul-Gill Partnership: A Masterclass in Resilience
Rahul and Gill’s 188-run partnership for the third wicket was the heartbeat of India’s second innings. Their stand was a perfect blend of grit and guile, with Rahul anchoring the innings while Gill played the aggressor. Rahul’s approach was methodical—he soaked up pressure from England’s bowlers, rotated the strike effortlessly, and pounced on anything loose with clinical precision. His ability to adapt to the challenging conditions at Old Trafford showcased his evolution as a Test batter, capable of thriving in the toughest environments.
Gill, equally composed, complemented Rahul’s steady presence, and together, they frustrated England’s bowling attack. The partnership not only steadied the ship but also reignited India’s hopes of salvaging a draw. As the runs piled up, the duo’s chemistry became the highlight of India’s fightback, offering a glimpse of the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Ben Stokes’ Breakthrough and the Cold Stare Moment
England captain Ben Stokes, sidelined from bowling for much of Day 4 due to apparent stiffness, decided to take the ball as Rahul and Gill’s partnership grew increasingly threatening. In just his fourth over, Stokes delivered a pinpoint ball that trapped Rahul plumb in front of the stumps. The LBW appeal was a formality, but what followed was pure drama. As England celebrated, Rahul, resigned to his fate, began walking towards the dressing room without glancing at the umpire. Stokes, caught in the moment, celebrated prematurely, prompting Rahul to pause mid-stride and fix him with a cold, piercing stare.
This fleeting exchange added a layer of intensity to the Test match, capturing the raw emotion of high-stakes cricket. Rahul’s stare wasn’t just a reaction—it was a reflection of his investment in the innings and his frustration at falling short of a century that could have been a game-changer for India.
A Historic Milestone for KL Rahul
Rahul’s 90 wasn’t just a gritty knock; it was a historic achievement that placed him among cricketing elites. With this innings, he became only the second Asian opener to score over 500 runs in a Test series in England, following the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s 542 in 1979. He also joined Graeme Smith (714 in 2003) as the only visiting openers in the 21st century to reach this milestone in England. With Gavaskar’s record within touching distance, Rahul’s series performance is now regarded as one of the finest by an Indian opener on foreign soil.
His success is no fluke. As Nasser Hussain revealed during commentary, Rahul’s preparation was meticulous, involving a deep dive into notes from his past performances in English conditions. This methodical approach, undertaken a month before the series, allowed him to master the swinging Dukes ball and navigate England’s challenging pitches with confidence.
Rahul and Gill: An Elite Indian Duo
The Rahul-Gill partnership is a rare feat in Indian cricket history. They are only the second Indian duo to score 500-plus runs each in an away Test series, joining the iconic pair of Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Sardesai from the 1970-71 West Indies tour. Their combined run-scoring prowess has been a cornerstone of India’s campaign in England, providing stability and hope in a series marked by intense challenges. Rahul’s 90, while not a century, was a testament to his ability to deliver when the team needed him most, and Gill’s contribution ensured India remained in the fight.
The Significance of Rahul’s Knock
Rahul’s innings was a lifeline for India, who were staring at a potential rout after England’s massive first innings. His ability to absorb early pressure, rotate the strike, and punish loose deliveries kept India’s scoreboard moving. The Old Trafford Test demanded mental toughness, and Rahul delivered with an innings that combined elegance with resilience. His clarity of purpose was evident in every shot, from crisp cover drives to well-timed flicks, showcasing his growth as a Test batter.
This performance further solidified Rahul’s reputation as one of India’s most reliable batters in overseas conditions. Known for his stylish strokeplay, he has added grit and adaptability to his game, qualities that shine brightest in high-pressure situations like the Manchester Test.
India’s Path Forward
While Rahul’s dismissal was a blow, the foundation he built with Gill gives India a fighting chance to save the Test. The 188-run partnership has set a platform for the remaining batters to push for a draw, though England’s bowlers, led by Stokes, remain a formidable threat. Rahul’s 90 has not only kept India in the game but also boosted their morale, proving that they can stand toe-to-toe with a dominant England side.
Why Rahul’s Innings Resonates
KL Rahul’s gritty 90 is more than a statistic—it’s a symbol of India’s fighting spirit. His ability to anchor the innings, forge a historic partnership, and achieve rare milestones underscores his value to the team. The cold stare at Stokes, the 500-plus runs in the series, and the meticulous preparation all paint a picture of a batter at the peak of his powers. As India battles to save the Test, Rahul’s contribution will be remembered as a defining moment in the series, cementing his legacy as one of India’s finest overseas performers.
Conclusion
KL Rahul’s 90 in the Manchester Test was a masterclass in resilience, skill, and determination. Falling just short of a century, he steadied India’s innings, forged a historic partnership with Shubman Gill, and etched his name alongside cricketing greats. The intense moment with Ben Stokes added drama to an already gripping contest, while Rahul’s milestones highlighted his brilliance in English conditions. As India fights to save the Test, Rahul’s knock remains a beacon of hope, proving that preparation and perseverance can shine even in the toughest battles.
KL Rahul’s Gritty 90 – Structured Match Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs England – 4th Test (Manchester) |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Innings | India’s Second Innings |
| England’s 1st Innings Total | 669 runs |
| India’s Start | 0/2 in the first over |
| KL Rahul’s Score | 90 runs (off 205 balls) |
| Dismissal Mode | LBW by Ben Stokes |
| Notable Reaction | Cold stare at Ben Stokes for premature celebration |
| Partnership Highlight | 188-run partnership with Shubman Gill |
| Strike Rate | 43.90 |
| Boundaries | 11 Fours, 1 Six |
| Milestone Reached | Crossed 5,000 runs in Test cricket |
| Context of Innings | Played under immense pressure after early collapse |
| Impact | Stabilized innings and revived India’s hopes |
| Crowd Response | Standing ovation on dismissal |
A Shaky Start for India
India’s second innings began on a disastrous note, crumbling to 0/2 in the very first over. With England’s imposing 669 on the board, the visitors faced a deficit of 311 runs, and the pressure was palpable. The Old Trafford pitch, known for its pace and bounce, offered no respite, and India needed a savior to anchor the innings. Enter KL Rahul, who, watching from the non-striker’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What was the context of KL Rahul’s 90 in the Manchester Test?
A: KL Rahul’s 90 came during India’s second innings in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. India had collapsed to 0/2 chasing England’s mammoth first-innings total of 669. His innings was crucial in stabilizing the team after a disastrous start.
Q2. How many runs did KL Rahul score, and how was he dismissed?
A: KL Rahul scored a resilient 90 runs off 205 balls. He was dismissed LBW by Ben Stokes, a decision that came after Stokes celebrated even before an appeal was made, prompting a cold stare from Rahul.
Q3. Who was KL Rahul’s major partner during the innings?
A: Rahul shared a crucial 188-run partnership with Shubman Gill, which helped India recover and avoid an innings defeat.
Q4. Why is this innings considered special?
A: The innings showcased Rahul’s temperament, technique, and leadership under pressure. It also included a memorable moment of mental resilience when he responded with an icy glare to Ben Stokes’ premature celebration.
Q5. Did KL Rahul achieve any personal milestones in this match?
A: Yes, during this knock, KL Rahul crossed the 5,000-run mark in Test cricket — a major career milestone.
Q6. How did fans and the crowd react to Rahul’s dismissal?
A: Despite missing out on a century, KL Rahul received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd for his fighting knock.
Q7. What impact did this innings have on the match?
A: Rahul’s innings gave India a fighting chance after a dismal start. Though the team was still behind, his knock slowed England’s momentum and added much-needed resistance.