KL Rahul underlined his team-first mindset and growing adaptability after his crucial century on Day 4 put India in a commanding position in the opening Test against England at Headingley.
Rahul, who scored a patient 137 at the top of the order, played a pivotal role in India setting a daunting fourth-innings target of 371. Reflecting on his innings and ever-evolving role in the side, the 32-year-old admitted with a smile, “I’d forgotten what my position was. But I’m happy to be given different responsibilities...it keeps the game exciting.”
His 195-run partnership with Rishabh Pant, who struck his second century of the match, was the highlight of India’s second innings. Rahul praised Pant’s fearless approach, remarking, “You just let Pant be Pant. There’s obviously a method to his madness, and watching it from the other end is always entertaining.”
Speaking about the match situation heading into Day 5, Rahul said the team was confident of wrapping things up. “Someone’s going to win this game. We’ve given ourselves the best chance to pick up the 10 wickets we need.”
The surface at Headingley, which remained relatively flat for the first three days, has begun to show signs of wear. Rahul acknowledged the growing assistance for both pace and spin. “The pitch is opening up a bit. There’s rough for Jadeja and enough bounce and seam movement for our fast bowlers.”
England ended Day 4 at 21 without loss, still needing 350 runs to pull off what would be a record chase. With the new ball due in the morning and Jasprit Bumrah leading India’s attack, the final day promises a tense finish.
