"Country Over My Child": KL Rahul's 'Huge Call' before India v England Test series revealed

India’s experienced batter KL Rahul began the England Test series with a strong performance, scoring 42 in the first innings and following it up with a superb 137 in the second at Leeds. Though his efforts came in a losing cause, Rahul’s consistency at the top of the order stood out, especially in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who retired from international cricket in May. Rahul, often used as a middle-order floater in the past, has now stepped up as a senior opener and has lived up to the expectations.

Rahul’s commitment off the field has also drawn praise, with Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani lauding his dedication to national duty. “I really liked the fact that he was someone who said, 'I want to go to England early. I want to play the side game.' Forget about the hundred he got—that came later. The intent—that's what matters. The intent to be there early, to be prepared, to be with the side. Let's not forget, he's a young father, and I don't think his child is travelling with him initially. So for him to say, 'Country over my child'—that's a huge call," Badani told the Times of India.

Badani further appreciated Rahul’s decision to participate in the intra-squad warm-up game between India and India A, the team’s only match simulation before the first Test. “He could've easily said, 'I'm not playing the side game anyway; I'll just go straight to the Test match.' But he didn't,” he pointed out.

Senior Role and Leadership on Display

"KL made a statement I remember ahead of the Test series: 'I care for this team, and I want to be here.' He wanted to go to England. I could see the hunger in his eyes and in his words. In the absence of Rohit and Virat, he becomes the most senior batter—and he has played that role really well," said Badani, highlighting Rahul’s readiness to embrace leadership.

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"He's played in England before. And in terms of maturity and technique, you can clearly see he's more focused now. He knows he has to fill the vacuum left behind. The rest of the squad—apart from Karun—are mostly under 30. So he has to guide players like Sai Sudharsan, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Nitish Kumar Reddy—all of whom are new to this level," he added.