Galle, August 15: Indian vice-captain KL Rahul had to retire hurt on the first day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. He scored 77 runs off 162 balls before being sidelined due to severe cramps at the start of the final session.
After the tea break, Rahul returned to the field to continue his innings alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who was unbeaten on 85. Prior to the break, he received treatment from the physio after experiencing cramps in his right forearm during the 51st over.
However, just before the last session began, the 34-year-old informed the umpire that he was in significant pain and unable to grip his bat properly. His condition worsened as he felt a strain in his left arm and wrist. The cramps also caused discomfort in his legs, leading to visible pain as he limped off the field with assistance from the team physio.
As Rahul made his way back, he struggled to climb the stairs to the dressing room, requiring help from Indian team physio Kamlesh Jain to reach the visitors’ dressing room for further treatment.
Following Rahul’s exit, Indian captain Shubman Gill took to the crease to join Padikkal. Before retiring hurt, Rahul had formed a solid partnership of 150 runs for the second wicket with Padikkal. After the early dismissal of his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul steadied the innings, completing his 21st Test half-century in the humid conditions of Galle. It remains unclear when Rahul will be fit to return for India’s first innings.
At the end of 63 overs, India had scored 239 runs for the loss of two wickets before rain interrupted play. Jaiswal was dismissed for 32 runs, while captain Gill contributed 16 runs. Besides KL Rahul (retired hurt), Padikkal has reached an unbeaten 107 runs, marking his first Test century.