NEW DELHI– KL Rahul, India’s lone centurion in the Lord’s Test, reflected on the team’s 22-run defeat by England with a heartfelt message on social media, emphasizing that some matches go beyond just results. The loss puts India behind 1-2 in the ongoing five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
“Some games are more than wins or losses. They test your spirit, your character, and the learnings make you stronger,” Rahul wrote in an Instagram post following the match.
Rahul, along with vice-captain Rishabh Pant, had the difficult task of facing England’s opening attack on Day 5. Pant was bowled by a fiery delivery from Jofra Archer, while Rahul was trapped LBW by Ben Stokes shortly after. Their dismissals triggered a middle-order collapse, and despite valiant efforts from Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, the lower order couldn’t chase down the target.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri pointed to key moments that shifted the momentum in England’s favor. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said, “The turning point for me in this Test match was Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the first innings. Ben Stokes showed outstanding presence of mind to run him out on the stroke of lunch. India would’ve taken the lead and had the upper hand.”
He also criticized Karun Nair’s dismissal in the second innings: “At 40/1, that was a huge lapse in concentration from Nair—to leave a straight, innocuous ball. That opened the door for England and completely changed the game.”
Despite the defeat, the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams were invited to Clarence House on Tuesday, where they met King Charles III. The monarch interacted with several players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill. (Source: IANS)
