In a stunning display of grit and class, KL Rahul smashed his ninth Test century during India’s second innings in the ongoing Leeds Test against England. Rahul’s elegant knock of 137 runs was the cornerstone of India’s second innings total of 364, putting the visitors in a commanding position with a daunting 371-run target for England to chase.

But this wasn’t just any century. KL Rahul’s innings wasn’t only about building a lead—it was about rewriting history books.

A Landmark Century in English Conditions

KL Rahul’s hundred marked his third Test century on English soil, making him the Indian opener with the most Test centuries in England. With this feat, he surpassed legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid—each of whom scored two centuries as openers in England.

The innings also strengthened KL Rahul’s standing as one of India’s most reliable openers in overseas conditions, particularly in the SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. This was his fifth Test century as an opener in these challenging regions, placing him second only to Sunil Gavaskar among Indian openers in this elite club.

Breaking Saeed Anwar’s Record

Rahul’s ton also elevated him to the second spot in the list of Asian openers with the most Test centuries in SENA countries. He broke the record previously held by Pakistan’s stylish left-hander Saeed Anwar, who had four centuries as an opener in these nations.

Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more centuries in SENA countries among Indian batters. The ‘Little Master’ still leads the pack with a whopping 17 centuries in these testing overseas conditions. Rahul now becomes the fifth Indian on this prestigious list, underlining his credentials as a modern-day great in overseas red-ball cricket.

A Partnership That Changed the Game

While Rahul stole the spotlight with his historic knock, he was ably supported by Rishabh Pant, who played one of his finest Test innings to date. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter brought up his eighth Test century, scoring a fluent 118 runs. Together, Rahul and Pant stitched a vital 195-run partnership that took the game away from England and helped India post a strong total on the board.

The duo’s aggressive-yet-calculated approach frustrated the English bowlers, who struggled to break the stand as the Indian scoreboard kept ticking steadily.

England’s Uphill Battle

At stumps on Day 4, England had reached 21 without loss, but they still trail by 350 runs—a mountain of a task awaits them on the final day. With the pitch showing signs of wear and Indian bowlers hungry for a win, England’s survival will depend on resilience and perhaps a bit of luck.

A Defining Innings for Rahul and India

KL Rahul’s 137 wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a statement. A statement of dominance, of composure under pressure, and of his ability to shine in the toughest conditions against the strongest opposition.

With this innings, Rahul has reminded the cricketing world of his class and silenced critics who questioned his place in the Test setup. As the final day looms, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers to convert this advantage into a memorable victory—one that could very well be remembered as the match where Rahul etched his name among the modern Test greats.

Can India seal the win and go 1-0 up in the series? Stay tuned as the Leeds Test reaches its thrilling conclusion!