KL Rahul issues official statement on Rishabh Pant run out after being labelled SELFISH

Team India opener KL Rahul has opened up about Rishabh Pant’s run-out on Day 3 of the third Test match against England at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday, July 12. Rahul admitted that Pant’s run-out shifted the momentum of the match, adding that the dismissal shouldn't have happened.

India began Day 3 at 145 for 3, with KL Rahul (53) and Rishabh Pant (19) at the crease. The pair negotiated the England attack in the morning session. However, Pant was dismissed for 74 just before the lunch break. He attempted a risky single after a moment of hesitation but fell short of his crease.

Rishabh Pant Throws Away His Wicket with a Suicidal Run Out

India were in a good position at 247 for 3 during the final over before lunch on Day 3. However, the momentum shifted quickly after Rishabh Pant’s dismissal.

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KL Rahul, who went to lunch unbeaten on 98, completed his century after the break. He became only the second Indian to feature more than once on the Lord’s honours board. However, he was dismissed for 100, edging a loose shot to slip off Shoaib Bashir.

India collapsed from 247 for 3 to 254 for 5. Pant and Rahul had earlier rescued the team from 107 for 3 with a 141-run stand. With the five-match series tied at 1-1, self-inflicted errors prevented India from capitalizing on a potentially dominant position.

There Was a Conversation a Couple of Overs Before That - KL Rahul

Speaking at the post-day press conference, KL Rahul revealed that he and Rishabh Pant had discussed a plan. Rahul stated that he had planned to reach his century before the break. However, he admitted that things didn’t go as planned.

"Not ideal," Rahul said at the media briefing. "There was a conversation a couple of overs before that: I told him [Pant] that I would get my hundred, if possible, before lunch."

"And with Bashir bowling that last over before lunch, I thought there was a good chance for me to get it, but, yeah, unfortunately, I hit straight to the fielder," he added.

A Run Out Really Changed the Momentum - KL Rahul

KL Rahul said that Rishabh Pant’s run-out was a turning point in the match. Rahul stated that the dismissal was unfortunate and both players were disappointed, adding that no batter ever wants to lose their wicket in such a manner.

"It was a ball that I could have hit for a boundary. Then he just wanted me to rotate strike and see if he could put me back on strike. But, yeah, it shouldn't have happened: a run out at that stage really changed the momentum," Rahul continued.

"It was disappointing for both of us. Obviously, nobody wants to throw their wicket like that."

India were bowled out for the same score in response to England’s 387 first-innings total. Ravindra Jadeja (72) added a valuable contribution lower down the order. With just one over bowled in the day, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett negotiated it and took their side to 2 without loss.

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