On Saturday, August 15, 2026, during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, India’s vice-captain KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 from 162 balls due to severe cramps.
When a cramp developed in his right forearm in the 51st over, muscle spasms began, prompting physical therapy before tea. After experiencing spasms in his legs as well as contractions in his left hand and wrist, the team physiotherapist assisted him off the pitch.
On Day 1, KL Rahul’s 77-run innings was part of India’s strong batting performance. He and his Karnataka partner Devdutt Padikkal made 150 runs for the second wicket.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rahul had started the innings with a 47-run stand off 66 balls before Jaiswal was run out owing to a mix-up. When Rahul left owing to injury, India’s skipper Shubman Gill joined Padikkal at the crease, leaving India at 197 for 1 after 53 overs.
“KL Rahul batted quite well. I believe he was merely getting cramps. So, by the end of the day, he was OK. Typically, cramps appear in the hamstring, groin, or hand.
However, he appears to be in excellent health at the time. So he should be ready to go tomorrow,” added Kotak, as reported by The Indian Express.
KL Rahul is a versatile senior batsman.
Kotak was impressed by KL Rahul’s versatility, since he can begin Test matches and bat in the middle order in white-ball cricket. “When he plays in one-day matches, he bats at number 6 or 5,” he said.
So, as a senior batsman, if you are willing to bat at whatever number and contribute to the team, I believe that is a terrific player to have,” Kotak remarked.
“So, as a team member, he is quite beneficial. So in a red ball contest, he opens; in a one-day match, he bats wherever needed. Now, the way he bats, he is taking on a lot of responsibility and attempting to form a lot of partnerships, which is something that is quite beneficial, and he has been very, very consistent,” he said.
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