KL Rahul Crosses 4,000-Test-Run Landmark

India’s accomplished opener KL Rahul reached a significant personal milestone on Saturday, becoming the latest Indian to complete 4,000 runs in Test cricket. He achieved the feat during India’s first Test against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Rahul, who entered the crease after the drinks break on the second morning, scored a composed 39 off 119 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six. Though he could not convert his start into a substantial score, the innings was enough to take him past the 4,000-run mark.

KL Rahul’s Test Career – Key Numbers

Rahul has been in superb touch this year. Across nine Tests, he has amassed 784 runs at an impressive average of 52.26, including three centuries and three half-centuries. Notably, his tour of England yielded 532 runs across five Tests, featuring two high-quality hundreds. Earlier in Ahmedabad, he ended a nine-year wait for a home century, scoring his first Test ton in India since 2016.

At the lunch break on day two, India stood at 138/4, with Ravindra Jadeja (11)* and Dhruv Jurel at the crease. Rishabh Pant (27 off 24 balls) and Washington Sundar (29 off 82) both failed to push on, while skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt after injuring his neck attempting a sweep shot.

India had resumed the day at 37/1, still trailing South Africa’s first innings total of 159, a score largely shaped by the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah (5/27) and Mohammed Siraj (2/47). The Proteas’ promising start, led by a 50-run opening stand between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, ultimately faded under India’s pace firepower.

Khaborwala/SJ