KL Rahul turned heads with a steady unbeaten 53 on Thursday, helping India end day one of the first Test against West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The opener’s calm knock earned big cheers from former India keeper Parthiv Patel, who called it a sign of Rahul’s best year yet in Test cricket.
Rahul faced 114 balls to guide India to 121 for 2 in 38 overs, just 41 runs behind West Indies’ total of 162. West Indies crumbled thanks to Mohammed Siraj’s sharp 4 for 40. Rahul shared a solid 77-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 36, before debutant B Sai Sudharsan fell for 7.
Parthiv, chatting on JioHotstar, loved Rahul’s poise. “KL Rahul was outstanding today—he kept up the great form from the England tour,” Parthiv said. “There were doubts about him before that series, but he stepped up big time as a senior player during India’s transition. He respected the disciplined West Indies openers, settled in, and then started rotating the strike smoothly.”
Parthiv added that Rahul looks more confident than ever. “That century against Australia A boosted him a lot. It’s his second-best year after 2017, but I bet he’ll top it this time—he’s in top shape.” With Shubman Gill on 18 not out alongside him, India eyes a strong push on day two to grab a big lead.
Parthiv also had kind words for Sudharsan’s debut nerves. “Sai Sudharsan seemed a bit edgy,” he noted. “He usually dances down well to spinners, but the pressure to nail that number three spot might’ve got to him. Just needs to chill and play his game.”
The talk turned to Jasprit Bumrah’s magic, too. Parthiv raved about his yorkers: “Bumrah nails them like no one else—it’s been that way since 2013. I’ve said it for 12 years, and he proves me right every time.”
West Indies expert Darren Ganga agreed on Rahul’s glow-up. “KL Rahul plays like a classic Test batter,” Ganga said. “He’s found his rhythm from the England series and stuck with it. He leaves balls smartly, reads conditions well, and builds around a rock-solid defense. This is his peak, and we’ll see even more of it ahead.”
India’s in a good spot with Rahul anchoring things—fans can’t wait for more action in this India vs West Indies Test series.
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