India’s star opener KL Rahul reached a major career milestone on Saturday, joining the elite club of Indian batsmen with over 4,000 Test runs. The landmark was achieved during the opening Test against South Africa at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens, a venue synonymous with cricketing grandeur.
Rahul came to the crease after the drinks break on the second morning and played a patient and controlled innings. Facing 119 deliveries, he scored 39 runs, including four boundaries and a majestic six. While he fell short of a large score, this measured knock was enough to push him past the 4,000-run mark, cementing his place among India’s modern Test greats.
Rahul’s Test career now reads impressively: 66 matches, 115 innings, 4,024 runs at an average of 36.58, including 11 centuries and 20 fifties, with a highest score of 199. His recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. Across nine Tests this year, he has amassed 784 runs at a striking average of 52.26, registering three centuries and as many half-centuries. Particularly noteworthy was his England tour, where he compiled 532 runs in five Tests, including two commanding hundreds. Earlier in the year, Rahul ended a nine-year wait for a home century in Ahmedabad, scoring his first Test ton in India since 2016.
During the second day’s lunch break in Kolkata, India were 138 for 4. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 11, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel took the other end. Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 27 from 24 balls and Washington Sundar’s resilient 29 from 82 deliveries both ended before they could convert starts into big scores. India’s captain Shubman Gill, unfortunately, retired hurt following a neck injury sustained attempting a sweep shot.
India had begun the day on 37 for 1, still trailing South Africa’s first innings total of 159. The Proteas had earlier built a solid foundation through an opening stand of 50 between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton but struggled against the devastating pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed 5 for 27, and Mohammed Siraj, who took 2 for 47. The home side’s bowlers effectively turned the tide, leaving India with a challenging yet promising platform for Rahul to reach this personal milestone.
KL Rahul’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to India’s growing strength in the Test format. His ability to score consistently both at home and abroad underlines his importance to the side’s ambitions in the longest format of the game.