Team India vice-captain KL Rahul suffered an injury scare after holding his right forearm in noticeable pain during the first Test match against Sri Lanka. Despite experiencing visible physical cramps in the afternoon session, the right-handed batter continued to anchor the Indian innings effectively.
Team India began their innings with Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease after choosing to bat first on the first day. The openers looked comfortable early on, but Jaiswal was dismissed following a communication error. Rahul reached the tea break unbeaten on 77 from 162 balls, with seven fours and a six.
KL Rahul Faces Brief Injury Scare During Huge Partnership
KL Rahul briefly felt discomfort in his right forearm during the 51st over. He held his arm as the physio came onto the field to check on him. Auqib Nabi also carried the drinks while the support staff treated Rahul before he continued his innings for India.
Rain had earlier stopped play for nearly 90 minutes, but India resumed strongly after the covers came off. Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal showed patience and avoided unnecessary risks against Sri Lanka's bowlers.
Rahul later brought up his 21st Test fifty from 127 balls, while Padikkal reached his second Test half-century from 81 deliveries. The pair continued to control the session, adding 96 runs without losing a wicket in the second session.
Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul Put India in Control
India's opening stand ended at 47 after an unfortunate run-out. KL Rahul called for a quick single after tapping Keshara Nuwantha towards mid-on, but Yashasvi Jaiswal collided with the bowler and slipped. Both batters ended up at the same end, leaving Jaiswal run out for 32 off 37 balls.
Devdutt Padikkal then settled quickly and gave India momentum by hitting his first ball for four. He played with greater freedom than Rahul and reached 84, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 77 from 162 balls. Their 150-run partnership put India in a strong position at tea.
Earlier, Rahul also had a nervous moment when his sweep against Prabath Jayasuriya struck Nishan Madushka on the helmet at short leg. The Sri Lankan fielder took the blow and left the field for concussion checks, adding another tense moment to an otherwise controlled session.
KL Rahul retires hurt after suffering injury vs Sri Lanka
KL Rahul has considerable experience against Sri Lanka and will have a major role as India's vice-captain. Before this Test, he had scored 354 runs in seven matches against Sri Lanka at an average of 32.18, including one century and three half-centuries.
Rahul also played during India's 2017 tour of Sri Lanka, scoring 142 runs across two Tests with two half-centuries. In five Tests played in Sri Lanka before this match, he had scored 268 runs at an average of 33.50, including one century and two fifties.
By tea on Day 1, Rahul had reached 77 from 162 balls, giving India a strong platform alongside Devdutt Padikkal. After that, he was forced to retire hurt at the same score as he was unable to continue batting. He was cramping everywhere; hence, the decision was made to take him off the field, and Shubman Gill arrived in the middle.
KL RAHUL STRUGGLING TO WALK, HE LOOKS IN PAIN. 💔
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 15, 2026
- Hope KL Rahul will be fine, and recover soon! 💪 pic.twitter.com/tn2YVzwVEU
KL RAHUL RETIRED HURT ON 77 💔
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 15, 2026
- Hope he returns later and score the well deserving Hundred in Sri Lanka, he has been the star at Galle with Padikkal. pic.twitter.com/tqpHEiLjlE
