KL Rahul achieved a historic milestone in the Leeds Test against England, becoming the first Indian opener to score the most Test centuries in England, with a stunning 137-run innings. He surpassed the legendary records of players like Gavaskar and Dravid and secured a new achievement – the 5th century in SENA countries.
KL Rahul: KL Rahul’s innings in the India vs. England Test match at Leeds was a landmark moment. His brilliant batting not only strengthened India’s second innings but also established him as the most successful Indian opener, surpassing the achievements of many iconic players. Rahul’s classic 137-run innings propelled India to a total score of 364, setting England a challenging target of 371.
🇮🇳 Rahul: England’s Most Successful Opening Batsman
This was KL Rahul’s third Test century in England, making him the player with the most Test centuries as an opener in this country. Previously, this record was held by Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, Rahul Dravid, and Ravi Shastri – all names synonymous with two centuries as an opener in England.
Rahul has now surpassed these legends, claiming the top spot for himself.
Dominating the SENA Countries – Second Most Successful Indian Opener
Rahul’s innings in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries as an opener marked his fifth century, placing him second among Indian openers for the most Test centuries in these nations, behind only Sunil Gavaskar, who boasts 8 centuries.
SENA Countries: Most Test Centuries by Indian Openers:
- 8 – Sunil Gavaskar
- 5 – KL Rahul
- 3 – Vinu Mankad
- 3 – Virender Sehwag
- 3 – Ravi Shastri
A New Milestone for Asian Openers
KL Rahul achieved a new milestone not just for India but for the entire Asian continent as well. He moved from second place to the number two position among Asian openers for the most Test centuries in the SENA countries, surpassing Pakistan’s former opener, Saeed Anwar (4 centuries).
SENA Countries: Most Test Centuries by Asian Openers:
- 8 – Sunil Gavaskar
- 5 – KL Rahul
- 4 – Saeed Anwar
Entering the Top 5 Indian Batsmen
Now, regarding the list of Indian batsmen with the most Test centuries in the SENA countries, KL Rahul has moved into fifth place. This list recognizes players who have consistently scored runs on challenging foreign pitches.
SENA Countries: Most Test Centuries by Indian Batsmen:
- 17 – Sachin Tendulkar
- 12 – Virat Kohli
- 10 – Rahul Dravid
- 8 – Sunil Gavaskar
- 6 – KL Rahul*
- 6 – Rishabh Pant*
- 6 – Mohammad Azharuddin
A Powerful Partnership Between Rahul and Pant
Rahul’s historic innings was further enhanced by his 195-run partnership with Rishabh Pant. Both batsmen played a crucial role in turning the match’s momentum, with Pant’s aggressive batting breaking the rhythm of the English bowlers. Pant also scored a brilliant 118 runs, contributing significantly to India’s b score of 364.
Match Situation: Can England Rewrite History?
Following India’s second innings, England was set a target of 371. By the end of the fourth day’s play, England had amassed only 21 runs without losing any wickets. They still need 350 runs to win, and the fifth day’s play remains.
However, a memorable event occurred in Leeds in 2019 when England successfully chased down 359 against Australia, creating history. The question remains: can England once again pull off a remarkable feat?
