KL Rahul becomes second Indian after Gavaskar to achieve unique SENA feat

ANI July 5, 2025 291 views

KL Rahul has etched his name in Indian cricket history by matching Sunil Gavaskar's remarkable overseas batting record. The talented opener has now scored 10 or more fifty-plus scores across SENA countries, a feat accomplished by very few Indian batsmen. His current tour performance has been particularly impressive, with 236 runs at an average of 59.00. Rahul's consistent performances highlight his growing stature as a reliable international test batsman.

"In 23 SENA Tests as an opener since 2015, KL has scored 1,508 runs at an average of 35.06" - Match Statistics
Birmingham, July 5: KL Rahul continued his fine overseas run in Test cricket, becoming only the second Indian opener after legendary Sunil Gavaskar to score 10 or more scores of fifty-plus in South Africa, England, New Zealand and South Africa (SENA) countries.

Key Points

1

KL Rahul achieves historic milestone matching Sunil Gavaskar's overseas performance

2

Scored 55 runs in second innings against England

3

Maintains impressive average of 35.06 in SENA countries

4

Demonstrates consistent batting strength across international venues

KL achieved this unique milestone during the second Test against England at Birmingham. In the second innings, after a poor score of two runs in the first, KL made up for it with a rock-solid, stroke-filled 55 in 84 balls, with 10 fours at a strike rate of 65.48.

Now in 23 SENA Tests as an opener since 2015, KL has scored 1,508 runs at an average of 35.06, with five centuries and five fifties each. His best score is 149.

Gavaskar has the most fifty-plus scores for India as an opener in SENA, with eight centuries and 11 fifties.

So far, in two Tests and four innings on this tour, KL has scored 236 runs at an average of 59.00, with a century and a fifty each and his best score being an elegant, smooth-as-silk 137 at Leeds during the first Test.

During this decade, KL has been India's most successful opener in SENA, with 1,029 runs in 13 Tests and 26 innings at an average of 41.16, with three centuries and five fifties. His best score is 137.

Indian skipper Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stood tall as India extended their lead by 357 runs at the end of the first session on Day 4 of the second test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Saturday.

At lunch on Day 4, India was 177/3 with Shubman Gill 24* and Rishabh Pant 41* unbeaten at the crease.

India made 113 runs in the first session and lost two wickets - KL Rahul and Karun Nair. India started Day 4 on 64/1, leading by 244 runs.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan from UK, I must say KL Rahul's technique against swing bowling has improved tremendously. His footwork is so precise now compared to his early days. Great to watch!
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Ananya R
Being compared to Gavaskar sir is no small feat! But I feel KL needs to convert more of these 50s into big hundreds if he wants to be truly considered among the greats. Still, proud of his progress 🇮🇳
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Vikram M
His strike rate of 65+ in Tests is refreshing to see! Unlike previous openers who would just block, KL attacks when needed and defends when required. Perfect modern Test batsman!
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Karan T
People were criticizing him so much last year, but look at him now! This is why we should back our players through rough patches. Talent like KL doesn't come often. #BelieveInKL
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Priyanka N
That cover drive of his is pure poetry in motion! 😍 But I worry about his consistency - one big score followed by couple of low ones. Hope he works on that to become truly world class.

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KL Rahul Cricket Test Cricket Indian Cricket SENA Countries Sunil Gavaskar England Test Series