KL Rahul silences critics, becomes second-highest Test run-scorer in dream year

Opener KL Rahul is currently playing for Team India in the ongoing first Test of the two-match series against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The right-handed batter surpassed England batter Ben Duckett in the list of most Test runs scored in 2025 on Day 2 (Friday, October 3).

KL Rahul ended Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad unbeaten on 53. He added a 98-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Shubman Gill, who scored 50 off 100 balls. Rahul went on to reach his 11th Test century, remaining unbeaten on 100 off 192 balls before the lunch break.

KL Rahul Surpasses Ben Duckett in Test Record

Rahul scored his third century in 2025. He had smashed two hundreds in the series against England. The right-handed batter has scored 649 runs this year at an average of 54.08, including three centuries and two fifties.

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In the list of most Test runs in 2025, Shubman Gill leads with 837 runs from 7 matches, followed by Rahul with 649. Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams has 648 runs from 8 games. Ben Duckett, who has scored 602, and India’s Rishabh Pant, who has smashed 580 from 5 matches, are next in the list.

Most Test Runs in 2025:

KL Rahul Smashed Two Centuries in England Tour

KL Rahul recorded his best performance in 2025 during the Test match at Leeds. He scored 137 in the second innings, but India failed to secure a win. He also registered a century at Lord’s, though the team suffered another defeat.

Notably, Rahul played a key role in Manchester, scoring 90 runs to help India salvage a draw and remain competitive in the recent five-match series.

Before the ongoing series, Rahul showcased his form by scoring an unbeaten 176 as India A defeated Australia A by five wickets in the second unofficial Test in Lucknow.

West Indies Bowled Out for Just 162 on Day 1 in Ahmedabad

Earlier on Day 1, the West Indies were bowled out for 162 in 44.1 overs after opting to bat first. Justin Greaves (32), Shai Hope (26), and Roston Chase (24) were the only batters to cross 20. Mohammed Siraj (4/40), Jasprit Bumrah (3/42), and Kuldeep Yadav (2/25) picked up wickets for India.

In reply, India got off to a steady start with a 68-run opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) in 18.2 overs. The West Indies dismissed Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan (7), reducing India to 90/2. However, Rahul (53*) and Shubman Gill (18*) took India to 121/2 after 38 overs at stumps.

For the visitors, Roston Chase and Jayden Seales claimed one wicket each. Notably, this was India’s first Test in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The Shubman Gill-led team had secured a 2-2 draw against England in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy 2025.

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