KL Rahul Chooses England Tests Over Newborn's First Days, Citing National Duty

A new father, any other individual would immerse themselves in the joys of parenthood, cherishing every moment with their newborn. However, KL Rahul chose a different path, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his team and country.

Image: KL Rahul leaving the field, his mind already on the challenges ahead.

"Country first, Hemang bhai. I care for this team," KL Rahul declared to his Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani upon returning to training for IPL 2025. His primary focus was clear: the upcoming England Test series.

Rahul faced a multitude of new challenges – a new IPL franchise, the quest for a new batting role, and the daunting prospect of the England tour. With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, Rahul was expected to step up as a senior player and lead from the front.

Upon joining his Delhi Capitals practice, he immediately focused on batting drills.

Badani shared with TimesofIndia.com, "I really liked the fact that he was someone who said, ‘I want to go to England early. I want to play the side game.’ Forget about the hundred he got — that came later. The intent — that’s what matters. The intent to be there early, to be prepared, to be with the side."

He further emphasized Rahul's dedication, "Let’s not forget, he’s a young father, and I don’t think his child is traveling with him initially. So for him to say, ‘Country over my child’ — that’s a huge call. He could’ve easily said, ‘I'm not playing the side game anyway, I’ll just go straight to the Test match.’ But he didn’t."

Rahul prioritized representing his country in England, evident in his early arrival and participation in the unofficial Test against England Lions, where he made a significant impact.

His scores of 116 and 51 in that match served as a resounding declaration of his readiness. Similar to his memorable "Kantara" celebration after defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, Rahul proved he was ready for the challenge.

After experiencing inconsistency in his Test career, Rahul was given the opportunity to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. He provided India with a solid start in the first innings, scoring 42. In the second innings, he capitalized on the opportunity, crafting a well-composed 137 off 247 balls, guiding India to a total of 364.

This century held special significance for the Karnataka player. The pride and satisfaction were palpable, reflecting years of perseverance. It marked his first Test century in 23 matches, since his previous one against South Africa in 2023.

Having previously toured England for Test series in 2018 and 2021, Rahul possessed valuable experience. This third tour, however, carried added importance as he assumed the role of a senior player, a mentor, and a leading voice in the dressing room.

He was observed guiding younger batsmen like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and even his childhood friend Karun Nair, who returned to the Test side after an eight-year absence.

Badani noted, "KL made a statement I remember ahead of the Test series: ‘I care for this team, and I want to be here.’ He wanted to go to England. I could see the hunger in his eyes and in his words. In the absence of Rohit and Virat, he becomes the senior-most batter — and he has played that role really well,"

He further added, "He’s played in England before. And in terms of maturity and technique, you can clearly see he’s more focused now. He knows he has to fill the vacuum left behind. The rest of the squad — apart from Karun — are mostly under 30. So he has to guide players like Sai Sudharsan, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Nitish Kumar Reddy — all of whom are new to this level,"

KL Rahul has become a crucial link between India's rich Test cricket history and its promising future. His contribution extends beyond scoring runs; it encompasses responsibility and setting the standard for a new era. He chose country over comfort and commitment over convenience.