Kevin Pietersen had some nice things to say about KL Rahul. He called Rahul “absolute quality,” not just as a cricketer but also as a person. Pietersen talked about how much he enjoyed working with Rahul over the past few months, saying it has been a “wonderful journey.” He said he always knew Rahul was a good batter, but getting to know him better made him realise what a good person he is, too.

K.L Rahul is known for his calm, classic batting, and he has become one of India’s most dependable players. But Pietersen’s words show there’s more to Rahul than just his runs. They show that he’s someone people enjoy spending time with and respect for who he is. The two have spent time together doing commentary and other cricket work. Pietersen’s words suggest they have built a real friendship during this time.

Kevin Pietersen said "KL Rahul is absolute quality - as a guy, I knew him as a batter, when I got an opportunity to friend with him & work with him in last few months, it's being a wonderful journey". [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/KMzq1eFCiB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 9, 2025

Kevin Pietersen Calls KL Rahul “Absolute Quality” On and Off the Field

For fans, it’s always good to see players from different countries getting along well. Rahul has had his share of tough times, including injuries and strong competition for team spots. But he stayed calm and focused in the game, earning respect from teammates and former players with his gameplay and his friendly nature off the field and on the field.

ALSO READ: Shocking update on India’s Sri Lanka tour – Big announcement incoming?

Kevin Pietersen said "KL Rahul is absolute quality - as a guy, I knew him as a batter, when I got an opportunity to friend with him & work with him in last few months, it's being a wonderful journey

 Pietersen’s praise is just another sign of how highly Rahul is regarded. For Rahul, hearing such words from someone like Pietersen must feel special. And for fans, it’s another reason to support him as he keeps playing and leading for India. It’s clear he truly is “absolute quality” on and off the field.

Shubman Gill Leads India to Historic Win at Edgbaston

India made history by winning their first-ever Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, beating England in style on Sunday, July 6. Captain Shubman Gill led the way with the bat and gave a perfect example of leading from the front. Before the match, he had told his teammates that once a batter is set, they should try to score 50 or 60 extra runs and he did just that, smashing 430 runs in the match out of India’s total of 1,014, their highest in Test cricket.

There was a lot of talk about India’s team combination before the second Test. Many questioned the changes, but now those doubts don’t matter. Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir were proved right. Their decision to include Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar helped strengthen the batting, and bringing in Akash Deep turned out to be a masterstroke he took 10 wickets in the match.

But above all, it was Shubman Gill’s match. He batted beautifully, dominated the English bowlers, and made it look easy. He played every shot in the book drives, flicks, sweeps and left England with no answers. With this performance, he also became the Indian captain with the highest individual score in a Test match.

This was a special win. India had never won a Test at Edgbaston before seven losses and a draw in 58 years. But this time, they not only won, they outplayed England in every department. They scored big in the first innings with 587 runs, making England’s 407 look below par.

India’s fast bowlers made the difference. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj bowled with pace and energy in both innings. The gap between the two bowling attacks was clear. England had done well in the first Test by finishing off the Indian tail quickly, but in this game, India hit back hard. Everything started at the toss. Ben Stokes decided to bowl first, hoping England could chase later. But Gill made sure that decision backfired after his fiery innings in second innings. From the first session, he batted with confidence and control. He scored all around the ground and made sure India stayed on top.

Other batters stepped up too Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and KL Rahul all made useful contributions. India’s deep batting line-up made a big difference. Even when England showed some fight with a strong 303-run stand between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, Akash Deep broke through by dismissing Brook and ended their hopes.

England looked like they might catch up at one point, but then they fell apart and ended up 180 runs short. Their lower-order batters didn’t add many runs, which was unexpected. In the second innings, England’s bowlers were tired and couldn’t stop India from scoring 427 more, with good innings from Shubman, Pant, Jadeja, and Rahul. England faced a massive target of 608 runs in just 108 overs, which was impossible to chase. In the end, India won easily and proved they are one of the best teams in the world.

ALSO READ: 'Akash se Akash tak' - Fans react as Akash Deep registers his maiden five wicket haul in ENG vs IND 2nd Test

Fans react as India defeat England by 336 runs at 2nd Test in Edgbaston

🇮🇳 What a victory!

Heartiest Congratulations to #TeamIndia on a historic Test win at Edgbaston, defeating England by a massive 336 runs!

Special applause to Captain @ShubmanGill for leading from the front with twin centuries and to Akash Deep for his sensational 10-wicket…

— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) July 6, 2025

🇮🇳𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 336-𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 2𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙀𝙙𝙜𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣!

🏏 Shubman Gill’s epic 269 & 161 powered India to set a 608-run target.

🏏Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul (4/88 & 6/99) and… pic.twitter.com/CxQyG54bg7

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 6, 2025

India creates History at Edgbaston !
Won by mammoth 336 runs against England in England 🥶

Captain Shubman Gill - 269 & 161
Akash deep - 10 wickets
Jadeja - 89 & 69
Siraj - 7 wickets
Fifties for Pant, Jaiswal & KL Rahul pic.twitter.com/QXxCuVNWRO

— Bittuuuu ! (@DexterrTweets) July 6, 2025

India crush England by 336 runs in 2nd Test at Edgbaston. Fans in Birmingham hail Shubman Gill’s sharp captaincy and smart bowling changes as key to the victory.#INDvsENG #IndiaVsEngland #ShubmanGill #TeamIndia #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/F28Yo1npqW

— Lokmat Times Nagpur (@LokmatTimes_ngp) July 6, 2025

IND vs ENG, 2nd Test Day 5: India demolishes England by 336 runs at Edgbaston first-ever Test win there! Series leveled 1-1. History made, England shaken. 🇮🇳🔥🏏 #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/vTlmPqoKta

— GΞN. DONG ☣️ (@RealKillbilz) July 6, 2025

🇮🇳 HISTORY MADE AT EDGBASTON! 🏏 India clinches their 1st-ever Test win at the venue, crushing England by 336 runs! Shubman Gill's epic 269 & 161 (430 runs!) and Akash Deep's fiery 10-wicket haul (6/99) lead the charge sans Bumrah. Fortress Edgbaston conquered! 💪 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/kMgfaBk1QX

— Er.Pankaj kumar (@pankajku1992) July 6, 2025

Edgbaston roared,
India soared.
Blades danced,
Records enhanced.
Runs rained,
Glory gained.
Series tied ,
Pride amplified.

🇮🇳 Beat 🏴 by 336 runs#ENGvsIND #HistoryMade pic.twitter.com/mJMP2CSMtb

— Chinki (@Chinki__2004) July 6, 2025

Records? Shattered. Expectations? Exceeded

Historic win for Team India 💙#ENGvIND #AkashDeep टीम इंडिया #MSDhoni England by 336#MohammedSiraj
Kohli #TestCricket 2nd Test SENA #BCCI Lords #INDvsENG2025 Edgbaston #shubhmangill Birmingham Fifer Hamilton pic.twitter.com/2nbCeYwzwN

— Visible World 🌍 (@word_visible) July 6, 2025

Test cricket in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) gives the toughest challenge to opening batsmen. Swinging and seaming conditions, along with bouncy pitches, need not just solid technique but also strong mental toughness to face the new ball and give a good start to the innings. For Indian openers, who are used to very different conditions at home, doing well regularly in SENA is a true sign of their class. In this article, we will look at the top 5 Indian openers with the most 50+ scores in SENA countries.

KL Rahul is only behind Sunil Gavaskar in the list of most 50+ scores by an Indian opener in SENA. Rahul continued his good form in overseas conditions, as the 33-year-old scored his tenth fifty-plus score in SENA in the second Test against England on July 5 (Saturday). After the early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal on day three, Rahul made a very important partnership with Karun Nair early on day four.

After Nair got out for 26 runs off 46 balls, Rahul started playing attacking shots against the English bowlers. He played an aggressive shot through the gully area off Brydon Carse. While Shubman Gill started attacking from the other end, Rahul played smart cricket, rotating the strike and reaching his half-century with a classy drive through long-off.

Also Read -From IPL heroics to U-19 domination: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 52-ball century against England

He completed his half-century in 78 balls. This was his fifth 50+ score in England, breaking the record of legendary batter Vijay Merchant. Rahul not only proved himself as one of India's best openers in England, but also in all SENA countries, as this was his tenth 50+ score there, going past Virender Sehwag’s record.

Most 50+ scores by Indian openers in SENA countries

Sunil Gavaskar (19)

Sunil Gavaskar is known as one of the best opening batsmen in the world. His record in SENA countries shows why he is a legend. He scored 50 or more runs 19 times in just 57 innings. He could play well in all kinds of conditions — fast pitches in the West Indies (not a SENA country, but still very tough), swing in England, and bounce in Australia. He did not just stay at the crease; he also scored many runs against top bowlers. His 50+ scores helped India start well in tough matches. He had great focus and knew how to leave good balls and hit the bad ones. His record is still one of the best for Indian openers.

KL Rahul (10)

KL Rahul scored his 10th fifty-plus score in SENA countries during the second Test against England on July 5. He has now surpassed Vijay. Rahul’s start in Test cricket was not always good, but he has improved with time. He can now play both carefully and with some attack when needed. He has scored fifties and hundreds in England, Australia, and South Africa. Like Vijay, he also made his 9 scores of 50+ in 42 innings, showing his growing success as an opener.

Most 50+ scores by Indian Openers in Tests in SENA countries:

Sunil Gavaskar - 19.

KL Rahul - 10*.

Murli Vijay - 9. pic.twitter.com/aianNKTDV8

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 5, 2025

Murali Vijay (9)

Murali Vijay was a calm and steady opening batsman. He had a strong defence and was good at waiting for the right ball to play. He did well in SENA countries, especially in England and Australia. He knew how to leave the swinging ball and play close to his body. Vijay scored 50 or more runs 9 times in 42 innings. This shows he gave India good starts many times in tough conditions.

Virender Sehwag (9)

Virender Sehwag was known for his attacking style. He liked to play fast and take on the bowlers. Even in tough SENA conditions, he scored 9 fifty-plus scores. His highest score in these places was 195 against Australia in 2003 at the MCG. Sehwag’s way was different—he did not wait too much. He played his shots and put pressure on the bowlers. Even though his style was risky, it helped India in many matches by giving a quick and strong start.

Gautam Gambhir (7)

Gautam Gambhir scored 50 or more runs 7 times in just 25 innings in SENA countries. He was a left-handed opener known for his fight and focus. Even though he played fewer innings than others on this list, he made a good impact. He had a good technique to face swings and bounces. His strong will helped India in many overseas matches. Today, he is the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Most 50+ scores for an Indian opener in England in Tests

10 - Sunil Gavaskar

5 - KL Rahul

4 - Vijay Merchant

KL Rahul’s gritty half-century came to an abrupt end early on Day 4 of the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, as Josh Tongue produced a peach of a delivery to clean him up and breathe new life into England’s bowling effort.

Resuming India’s second innings with a healthy lead, Rahul looked in complete control through most of the morning. The right-hander brought up his fifty off 78 balls, mixing solid defense with stylish strokeplay. It wasn’t without its nervy moments, a few edges flying past slips and some well-directed bouncers testing his technique, but Rahul showed composure under pressure and appeared set for a big score.

Partnering with skipper Shubman Gill after the early loss of Karun Nair, Rahul kept the scoreboard ticking and wore down the English attack. His timing was sharp, and he was particularly effective square of the wicket, unfurling several crisp drives and flicks. For India, his innings came at a crucial time, helping extend their lead beyond 300 and providing the foundation for a potentially match-defining total.

Watch the video:

Middle stump = REMOVED pic.twitter.com/M1lBH3Gnbh

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 5, 2025

ALSO SEE: RCB facing an indefinite ban? Here's the latest update from the BCCI

Tongue’s First-Ball Stunner Ends Rahul’s Resistance, India Lose Third Wicket Early on Day 4

However, just when it seemed like Rahul had settled in for a long stay, Josh Tongue, brought into the attack after the drinks break, struck with his very first delivery of the day. It was an absolute jaffa full, fast, and cutting in late, and Rahul was caught on the crease. The ball snuck past his bat and pad, clattering into the middle stump. Rahul, who had just completed a fluent fifty, was left stunned as the bails flew off.

Rahul walked back for 50, a valuable knock but one that ended too soon for India’s liking. His dismissal left India at 126/3, with a lead of 306 runs. Rishabh Pant, known for his counter-attacking instincts, joined Gill at the crease.

With variable bounce starting to creep in and England fired up after the breakthrough, the Test has moved into an intriguing phase. Rahul’s wicket was a big moment,t and now, it’s up to India’s middle order to press on and build a lead that puts the game beyond England’s reach.

KL Rahul was in utter disbelief. He couldn't believe that Chris Woakes took his wicket in this manner. Rahul was walking slowly while leaving the crease, watching his dismissal on the giant screen. KL was surprised by the sudden bounce Woakes generated from the pitch of Edgbaston. 

Team India has stepped into the field with the target to level the series, as the host team was victorious in the first of the five-match Test series in Headingley. In that match, KL Rahul proved his importance with a century. The opening pair of the right-handed and Yashasvi Jaiswal looked solid on top of the batting lineup against England. But this time, the versatile batter could not believe his fate. Rahul departed for only 2 after facing 26 deliveries. 

The experienced England pacer hit the back of the length in the fourth ball of the 9th over of the first innings. He targeted the top of the off stump with extra elevation to offer to guard the batter. Rahul was not expecting that bounce. His reaction was on the slower side; by the time the ball took an under edge and crashed on the middle stump—KL Rahul bowled out, India 15/1. 

Read More: Ravichandran Ashwin questions Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill focus on taking 20 wickets

The behavior of the surface in Edgbaston was predicted. Under a cloudy sky, with grass on the pitch, it was predicted that the pacer on Day 1 might get extra assistance with the shiny red ball. Brigham is not known as a hunting ground for the spinners; mostly, the pacer got most from the pitch. The extra bounce and swing seamers find on a fresh Edgbaston ground cause headaches for batters. KL Rahul's dismissal was not a case of exception. 

Woakes drew the first blood of the match before the drinks. When Indian batters were trying to accustom themselves to the conditions, the fast bowler smiled. Before the drinks break, India was one down for 37. Karun Nair came to bat as the number 3 batter, where Sai Sudharsan flopped in Leeds. India made three changes for the second game. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep replace Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and Jasprit Bumrah. 

Watch the wicket-taking delivery here 

KL Rahul always gets into trouble when he is defensive! Got runs when he was confident in the 1st Test

Another tentative prod led to his dismissal today #INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND

pic.twitter.com/38MXZ04ITM

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) July 2, 2025

India batter KL Rahul has been enjoying a sensational run of form since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A determined showing in Australia was followed by standout performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 and the Indian Premier League, making this one of the most prolific phases of Rahul’s career. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent from the ongoing Test series against England, Rahul has stepped up once again, registering a century in the second innings of the opening Test.

Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar has now shed light on how Rahul’s resurgence was a key focus of his tenure with the Indian team. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Nayar shared, “When I first picked up that role, I remember I had a conversation with Rohit, and he said that one of the things he was really keen on me doing was working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook to how KL played the game and bringing the best out of him because he believed strongly that KL would play a major role in the Champions Trophy, World Cup, and everything going forward, including the BGT [Border-Gavaskar Trophy] and the Tests in England.”

Rahul’s current success is in stark contrast to his struggles in 2023, particularly in the ODI World Cup final, where he was heavily criticized for a tentative approach under pressure. Failing to adapt against Australia, Rahul was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad in 2024 and later released by his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. According to Nayar, significant shifts were required both technically and mentally, and they began working during India’s unsuccessful tour of New Zealand.

Turning Point: Technical Adjustments and Mental Reset

"Australia was going to be critical for him because it was almost like, if you didn't get runs there, then where is his career going? Because he was out of the T20 [squad]. Then this could also very well have been his last series," Nayar recalled. "I told him, listen, we've got 15 days to prepare before we go to Australia. And take those 10 days there; we have got almost a month to prepare. What do you want to do? How do you want to approach this? What is your mindset?"

Abhishek Nayar on Espn Cricinfo about Rohit - Rahul:

"When I first picked up that role, I remember I had a conversation with Rohit, and he said that one of the things he was really keen on me doing was working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook to how KL played… pic.twitter.com/frRFJA9TZ4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 28, 2025

See Also: WATCH: Rohit Sharma spotted vacationing in Italy with wife Ritika Sajdeh amid India vs England Test series

Nayar emphasized that once they corrected Rahul’s technique, they focused on mental fortitude. “He spoke about what he's been doing and what worked for him in the past. And then I had a certain thought process, which was very different from his,” he said. “Over hours and hours of conversation… eventually I got him to a place where he sort of trusted me… in regard to his stance, where he stands in the crease, and what guard he takes.” Nayar, who still works with Rahul privately, hopes the batter’s revival continues through the England series.

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.

See Also: 'I’ve only one request..' - Former Indian player urges Rishabh Pant to skip such celebration ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test

"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.

After his breathtaking 137-run innings in the second innings of the Headingley Test against England, KL Rahul spoke about his struggles in red-ball cricket openly, admitting that it has been painful to see a Test average less than 35. But, despite some problems personally, Rahul has moved his mindset from thinking about numbers to thinking about playing with purpose and playing with passion. 

"It's painful to see my average," Rahul admitted at the end of Day 4. "But at this stage of my career, I don't want to worry about stats. I want to try and make a difference when I get the opportunity and go out and enjoy my Test cricket for India. It's something I have always loved playing, and I want to keep doing it." The 33-year-old's comments came off the back of a vital innings where he and Rishabh Pant compiled 195 together to give England a tough target of 371 to chase in the fourth innings.

Rahul's century was particularly special given the criticism that he had recently received for not converting starts. He enjoyed multiple solid innings throughout the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Still, he was consistently falling short of three figures. He had made a fluent 42 in his first innings at Headingly before being dismissed too early. However, in the second innings, we saw Rahul a little more patient and composed in his batting. He looked determined to respond to the critics through his performance rather than in his words.

KL RAHUL ABOUT HIS TEST AVERAGE:

"it hurts when I look at my average but at this stage, I don't want to think about numbers. I want to make an impact whenever I get a chance & enjoy playing Test cricket for India. It's what I grew up loving". pic.twitter.com/y21IOsjtaV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 24, 2025

Also read:  WATCH: KL Rahul reflects his views on batting performance of Rishabh Pant in first ENG vs IND Test match

Going Back to the Basics: Rahul on Abhishek Nayar

Rahul attributed what he felt was a turn of sorts in his batting form to going back to the "basics" and working with former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. "In the last 15-18 months I have spent a lot of time with Abhi," Rahul said. "There was a phase when I started thinking about quality, not quantity, and didn’t hit enough balls; now I’m really enjoying long sessions and working hard, and I am confident in my game again." 

The Headingley century was not only a landmark but also a mental victory for Rahul—it reassured him that form can fade, but class and commitment will stay. Now with this clarity of thought, Rahul is now continuing to show why he deserves to open for India in red-ball cricket. 

England pacer Josh Tongue made a huge prediction ahead of Day 5 of the ongoing Headingley Test. The host team needs 350 runs to defeat Team India and take a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Test series. As the last day (June 24, 2025) is going to be decisive, and England, with their own 'Bazball' approach, Tongue hinted at a thrilling day at Leeds.

Ben Stokes' team will enter the field with all of their 10 wickets in hand and probably can go out with all their fireworks, as the fast bowler said during the press conference after Day 4, "Just go for the win." From team India, KL Rahul was the representative in the conference. With a smile, he agreed with what Tongue said—just go for the win. The Headingley Test is in a well-balanced position, with both teams having 50-50 chances to win the battle. 

"No. We will just go for the win. That’s the clear message in the changing room. It’s just about being as positive as we can. They’re going to bowl well at times tomorrow; it’s just crucial we soak up that bit of pressure and reapply it. I don’t see why we can’t chase that down," the Englishman said this during the media brief. 

Read More: WATCH: KL Rahul reflects his views on batting performance of Rishabh Pant in first ENG vs IND Test match

England confident about getting the winning runs 

"We are very confident. Looking at our batting lineup, it’s very strong. We’ll play a positive brand of cricket. Chasing 371 is going to be a good thing for us to do tomorrow. Obviously, getting through the first 30-40 minutes will be crucial, but hopefully, we’ll get the winning runs tomorrow."

KL Rahul countered team England's representative with a brilliant reply. He clearly said that we'll be India's best chance to capture all the wickets and register a win. 

Watch the press conference here

No scope for a draw says Josh Tongue; KL Rahul agrees 🗣️ #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/GcZ5m6z49Z

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 24, 2025

Famous Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty drafted a heartfelt note for his son-in-law KL Rahul following his magnificent ton on day four of the Headingly Test. The Karnataka-born top-order batter registered his ninth Test ton and formed a match-defining 195-run stand with Pant to propel India to a commanding state before the lower order collapse. 

Rahul played a splendid knock, which featured 18 boundaries and spent an arduous 381 minutes at the crease to compile 137 runs. On the back of his knock, India were able to dominate England thoroughly in the first two sessions of the day. 

See also: ENG vs IND 1st Test: Rishabh Pant reprimand by ICC for arguing with umpire

Sunil Shetty responds after his son-in-law's brilliant heroics at Headingly

Sunil Shetty was filled with joy after watching his spectacular knock in Leeds and lauded Rahul for his achievement. The century came at a very crucial time for India, and the veteran actor felt that the know had a touch of class and elegance. 

Shetty wrote the following on his Twitter handle:

"A knock that spoke less, but said everything. Proud of you son @klrahul."

A knock that spoke less, but said everything
Proud of you son @klrahul pic.twitter.com/1AqH1tpMce

— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) June 23, 2025

Both Pant and Rahul went hard at the English bowlers and batted with utter grit. The duo hardly gave anything away and took full advantage of the old ball, which wasn't playing a lot of tricks. They milked the runs at a steady rate, and while Pant tried inventive shots from his end, Rahul held one end together, relying mostly on the orthodox style of play. By Tea, both batters reached their respective centuries, and a possibility of a declaration from Gill seemed to be on the cards.

But the second new ball did the trick for England. After Tea, the home side bounced back, picking up a flurry of wickets to put the thought of a declaration to rest. Similar to the first innings, the visitors once again suffered a horrendous batting collapse and lost their remaining six wickets for only 33 runs, giving England a reasonable target of 371.