KL Rahul Puts India First, Prioritizes England Tests Over Time With Newborn Child

A new father, most would prioritize time with their one-and-a-half-month-old child. However, KL Rahul chose a different path, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the Indian cricket team.

India's KL Rahul walks off the field (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

"Country first… I care for this team," Rahul told his Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani upon returning to training for IPL 2025. His target was clear: the England Test series.

With veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Tests, Rahul is seen as a senior player, expected to lead from the front.

When he arrived for Delhi Capitals practice, he immediately focused on batting drills.

Badani noted, "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 emphasized the significance of Rahul's decision: "Let’s not forget, he’s a young father, and I don’t think his child is travelling 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's commitment was evident. He arrived early, participated in the unofficial Test against England Lions, and made a strong statement with scores of 116 and 51.

After a period of shifting roles in his Test career, Rahul opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. He provided a solid start in the first innings, scoring 42. In the second innings, he secured his opportunity, crafting a composed 137 off 247 balls, guiding India to 364.

This century held special meaning for Rahul, marking his return to form after a long wait. His previous Test century was in 2023 against South Africa.

KL Rahul: "I Care For This Team"

With prior experience from Test tours to England in 2018 and 2021, this tour holds particular significance. Rahul is now a senior figure, a mentor in the dressing room.

He has been observed guiding younger players like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and even his childhood friend Karun Nair.

Badani stated, "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’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... So he has to guide players like Sai Sudharsan, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Nitish Kumar Reddy — all of whom are new to this level," he added.

KL Rahul is bridging the gap between India's past and future in Test cricket. His role extends beyond scoring runs; it encompasses responsibility and setting the standard for a new era. Despite personal milestones, KL Rahul has prioritized his nation and commitment over convenience.