KL Rahul hailed on social media after superb century against England at Headingley: 'Pure Test match gold'

Rahul brought up his ninth Test hundred in 202 deliveries, grinding his way to the milestone on a Headingley wicket that has become slightly tricky to bat on on the penultimate day of the first Test between India and England. Here are select reactions to the senior opener's splendid knock. read more
India opener KL Rahul celebrates after completing his century on Day 4 of the first Test against England in Headingley. AP
India opener KL Rahul joined the growing list of centurions in the first Test against England at Headingley on Monday, bringing up the milestone after grinding his way through 202 deliveries on a wicket that has become slightly tricky to bat on.
Rahul, who is the senior-most member of the Indian squad following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test retirements last month, brought up the milestone with a brace off off-spinner Shoaib Bashir at the stroke of the second drinks interval on Day 4.
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After facing criticism for falling narrowly short of a half-century while playing a 'flashy shot' on the opening day, and Rahul came up with a solid response in the second innings, playing a near flawless innings in which he held fort firmly at his end. The wicketkeeper-batter collected 13 fours during his knock in which he had been dropped on 58 by Harry Brook at gully.
Rahul becomes the fifth batter to score a century in the ongoing Test after teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as well as England's Ollie Pope.
Social media heaps praise on Rahul
Here are some of the reactions to Rahul's splendid knock:
Been saying for a year now that Rahul's best phase as a cricketer is ahead of him. I look forward to the next 4 years — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2025
I still want KL Rahul as our long term #3 batsman. Like the other Rahul. — Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) June 23, 2025
KL Rahul is the link between seniors who retired and youngsters who are in the team. He is the main man now in test cricket who will excel in this responsibility. Brilliant batting so far. Need to make it big. — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 23, 2025
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No Asian opener has more 100s in England than KL Rahul. Only Mark Taylor and Graeme Smith have scored more 100s than him since 1989. pic.twitter.com/p3wZ4KXQ5C — Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) June 23, 2025
Patience. Precision. Perfection. KL Rahul's century in Leeds is pure Test match gold. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9oIhoOU2F0 — Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) June 23, 2025
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Rahul keeps playing once astonishingly decisive knock every away tour and leaves us in awe of his talent ! — Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) June 23, 2025

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