Within three years of one Rahul from Karnataka calling time on a career most illustrious, another Rahul from the same state cut his teeth in international cricket. In the same country where Rahul Dravid played his final game for the country, KL Rahul made his Test debut – not a very auspicious one – in what turned out to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s final five-day appearance.
Batting out of position at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2014, the younger Rahul managed 3 in the first innings (at No. 6) and 1 in the second, when he was pushed up to No. 3. In the next game in Sydney, in Virat Kohli’s first Test as full-time captain, Rahul celebrated his elevation to the opener’s slot, which was where he always belonged, with a measured 110 which spanned just under six hours.
Published – April 28, 2026 12:13 am IST
