KL Rahul Prioritizes England Test Series: 'Country Over My Child' Shows Dedication

Returning to training for the IPL 2025 after becoming a father, KL Rahul made his priorities clear. His first words to Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani were, "Country first…I care for this team." The England Test series was firmly in his sights.

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

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test retirements, Rahul understood the responsibility placed on his shoulders as a senior player. He embraced the challenge, eager to contribute significantly to the team's success.

Upon joining the Delhi Capitals, he immediately immersed himself in batting drills, demonstrating his unwavering focus.

Badani emphasized Rahul's dedication: "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."

He further highlighted the personal sacrifice Rahul was making: "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 actions spoke volumes. He prioritized acclimatizing to English conditions, participating in the unofficial Test against England Lions, and making a compelling statement with his performance.

Scores of 116 and 51 in that match underscored his readiness. This performance echoed his impactful "Kantara" celebration during the IPL, after dominating against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener, Rahul provided India with stability. After a steady start of 42 runs in the first innings, he solidified his position with a well-constructed 137 off 247 balls in the second innings, guiding India to a total of 364.

This century held special significance. The pride and satisfaction were evident after enduring a journey marked by interruptions. It was his first Test century in 23 matches, his previous one dating back to 2023 against South Africa in Centurion.

Having previously toured England for Tests in 2018 and 2021, Rahul brings valuable experience. Now, he steps into the role of a senior player, a mentor, and a crucial voice in the dressing room.

He has been observed guiding younger batsmen such as Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and even his childhood friend Karun Nair, who rejoined the Test side after eight years.

Badani noted, "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. The rest of the squad — apart from Karun — are mostly under 30. 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 embodies the link between India's accomplished past and its promising future in Test cricket. His role extends beyond scoring runs; it encompasses responsibility and leadership, paving the way for a new chapter. He chose dedication over ease.