London: Indian batter KL Rahul showcased resilience and class on Day 3 of the second Test at Lord’s, bringing up his second century at the iconic venue with a composed and patient knock. Rahul reached the milestone in 176 balls, becoming the first Indian since Dilip Vengsarkar to score multiple Test centuries at Lord’s — a feat that cements his place on the venue’s prestigious honours board.
His innings was a masterclass in temperament and technique. On a pitch offering little forgiveness, Rahul’s calm shot selection and complete awareness of match conditions helped him anchor the Indian innings through tough periods. This century is his 10th in Test cricket, and his second at Lord’s after his 129-run knock in India’s famous 151-run win in 2021.
A Nervy Moment Before Lunch
Rahul and Rishabh Pant carried forward their strong overnight partnership, frustrating the English attack with a mix of composure and aggression. Their 141-run stand was shaping up to be match-defining until a moment of miscommunication led to Pant’s dismissal just before lunch.
With Rahul on 98 and just four deliveries left in the session, Pant attempted a risky single to bring his partner back on strike. However, a sharp direct hit from England skipper Ben Stokes found Pant short at the non-striker’s end, breaking the partnership.
The incident could have rattled Rahul, but the lunch break allowed him to reset. He resumed focus post-lunch and calmly brought up his hundred in the second over, drawing applause from the Lord’s crowd.
Steady Under Pressure
Rahul faced a stern early challenge from England’s seamers on Day 3 but bided his time, waiting for loose deliveries. When Brydon Carse erred in line, Rahul pounced with three consecutive boundaries, injecting momentum into the innings and unsettling the hosts.
While Rahul remained the rock at one end, Pant’s fearless strokeplay kept England’s bowlers on the back foot. Their contrasting styles complemented each other, forming the bedrock of India’s recovery.
Despite Pant’s unfortunate dismissal, Rahul’s composed batting ensured India maintained control.
Rahul Surpasses Sehwag in SENA Countries
Rahul’s century was also a significant personal milestone. With this knock, he surpassed Virender Sehwag to become India’s second-highest run-scoring opener in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). Only Sunil Gavaskar now sits ahead of him on that list.
Rahul’s previous century at Lord’s — 129 off 250 balls — had also come in a winning cause. That Test, played in 2021, remains one of India’s most iconic overseas victories.