India vice-captain KL Rahul endured a worrying injury scare during the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle but continued to make a valuable contribution before eventually leaving the field. Rahul looked in control for much of the first day, anchoring India’s innings with a composed half-century despite battling physical discomfort.
India elected to bat first after Shubman Gill won the toss, with Rahul opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The pair initially settled into a steady rhythm, but their partnership ended at 47 runs after a bizarre mix-up. Rahul called for a single after playing Keshara Nuwantha towards mid-on, but Jaiswal collided with the bowler and lost his balance. Both batters ended up at the same end, leaving Jaiswal short of his crease. He was dismissed for 32 off 37 balls.
Devdutt Padikkal joined Rahul at the crease and immediately played with positive intent, hitting his first delivery for a boundary. The left-hander then settled into an impressive partnership with Rahul as India negotiated Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
WATCH – Devdutt Padikkal Smashes Prabath Jayasuriya For First Six Of Galle Test
Rain interrupted play for nearly 90 minutes, but India regained momentum once the covers were removed. Rahul remained patient, while Padikkal adopted a more aggressive approach. Rahul eventually completed his 21st Test half-century from 127 balls, while Padikkal brought up his second Test fifty from 81 deliveries.
The pair added 96 runs without losing a wicket during the second session, putting India in a commanding position. Rahul reached 77 from 162 balls, with seven fours and a six, while Padikkal moved to 84 as the partnership crossed the 150-run mark.
KL RAHUL STRUGGLING TO WALK, HE LOOKS IN PAIN. 💔
– Hope KL Rahul will be fine, and recover soon! 💪 pic.twitter.com/tn2YVzwVEU
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) August 15, 2026
KL RAHUL RETIRED HURT ON 77 💔
– Hope he returns later and score the well deserving Hundred in Sri Lanka, he has been the star at Galle with Padikkal. pic.twitter.com/tqpHEiLjlE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 15, 2026
However, Rahul’s innings was interrupted by an injury concern during the 51st over. He began holding his right forearm and appeared to be experiencing significant discomfort. The Indian physiotherapist came onto the field, while Auqib Nabi carried drinks as the support staff assessed the batter.
Rahul had also experienced another tense moment earlier when his sweep against Prabath Jayasuriya struck Sri Lankan fielder Nishan Madushka on the helmet at short leg. Madushka subsequently left the field for concussion checks.
WATCH – KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal Involved In Bizarre Run-Out As India Lose Opener in Galle
Despite his discomfort, Rahul initially continued batting. However, the cramps later became more severe, affecting him across his body. At 77, the decision was eventually made for Rahul to retire hurt, with captain Shubman Gill walking out to join Padikkal.
Rahul’s experience remains crucial for India, particularly given his record against Sri Lanka. Before this Test, he had scored 354 runs in seven Tests against them, including one century and three fifties. He had also made 268 runs in five Tests in Sri Lanka. With Rahul forced off the field, India will hope the injury is not serious as they look to build a substantial first-innings total in the crucial Galle Test.
