KL Rahul is one of India’s most stylish and versatile batsmen, known for his ability to adapt across formats and deliver under pressure. Whether it’s a gritty Test knock on foreign soil or a blazing ODI century, Rahul has time and again proven his mettle against the world’s best.
His batting blends elegance with aggression, making every innings a treat for cricket fans. In this blog, we revisit KL Rahul’s top 5 most memorable innings for India — knocks that not only showcased his technical mastery but also defined crucial moments in Indian cricket.
From historic Test hundreds to match-winning ODI performances, each innings is a chapter in Rahul’s evolving legacy.
In the fifth Test against England, KL Rahul played one of the finest innings of his career, narrowly missing a double century. On a batting-friendly Chennai pitch, Rahul displayed tremendous concentration, composure, and shot selection, dominating both pace and spin. His 199 runs came from 311 deliveries, filled with crisp drives and elegant flicks. What stood out was his ability to accelerate when required, yet maintain control against experienced English bowlers like Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad. Though he fell agonizingly short of the 200-run mark, Rahul’s innings cemented his place in India’s Test squad as a reliable top-order batsman. This knock remains one of the most talked-about near-misses in Indian cricket history and an example of mental toughness and hunger for big scores.
2. 149 vs England (The Oval, 2018)
Facing England in their own backyard is one of the toughest challenges in Test cricket, and Rahul rose to the occasion at The Oval. Chasing an improbable target of 464 runs, India was staring at defeat, but Rahul decided to put up a fight. Opening the innings, he played fearlessly, punishing anything loose while respecting the good deliveries. His century came off just 118 balls, mixing classy cover drives with powerful pulls. Even though India lost the match, Rahul’s 149 showcased his natural stroke-making ability under challenging conditions. It was also a reminder of how dangerous he can be when he finds rhythm early. This innings earned praise from cricket legends and gave Indian fans a reason to smile despite the series loss.
3. 129 vs England (Lord’s, 2021)
In the 2021 Test series, Rahul produced one of his most elegant innings at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Opening alongside Rohit Sharma, Rahul faced the new ball against James Anderson and Ollie Robinson with remarkable patience. He reached his century with a glorious punch through the covers, eventually scoring 129. This knock was crucial in setting up India’s historic win at Lord’s, as it laid a solid foundation for the middle order. Rahul’s name was etched onto the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board — a dream for any cricketer. The composure, temperament, and sheer class displayed in this innings confirmed Rahul’s status as one of India’s finest overseas Test openers.
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4. 110 vs Australia (Sydney, 2015)
On his maiden tour of Australia, Rahul silenced critics with a stunning century at the SCG. Batting against a formidable Aussie pace attack featuring Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, and Josh Hazlewood, Rahul’s innings was marked by clean technique and calculated shot selection. After a cautious start, he accelerated beautifully, punishing anything short or wide. His 110-run knock played a key role in helping India secure a strong first-innings total. Scoring a hundred in Australia is no small feat, and doing so in just his second Test match announced Rahul’s arrival on the big stage. It was the perfect blend of patience and aggression, proving that he belonged in the highest level of cricket.
5. 101 vs South Africa (Centurion, 2023)
In tough batting conditions at Centurion, Rahul showcased his adaptability yet again. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, was relentless, exploiting the seam-friendly pitch. Rahul batted with caution early on, leaving dangerous deliveries and waiting for scoring opportunities. Once settled, he shifted gears, playing his trademark drives and lofted shots over mid-off. His 101-run innings was vital in giving India a competitive total in the first innings. More importantly, it demonstrated his ability to score under pressure in challenging overseas environments, further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s best all-format players.