Rahul Retires Hurt With Cramps in Opening Test

KL Rahul scored 77 runs before retiring hurt due to severe cramps as India dominated the first day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Saturday. At stumps, India was 288 for two, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 131.

After captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat, Rahul and opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal began cautiously. Their partnership was cut short in the 11th over when Jaiswal was run out for 32 following a mix-up, leaving India at 40 for one. Rahul then combined with number three batsman Padikkal, promoted due to an injury to Sai Sudharsan, to build a commanding foundation.

The pair added 150 runs for the second wicket, with Rahul reaching his half-century from 127 deliveries. He played a disciplined innings, defending solidly against Sri Lanka's spinners and punishing loose deliveries. However, after the tea interval, Rahul began experiencing cramps in both hands and difficulty moving his fingers. Despite receiving treatment, he was forced to retire hurt on 77 off 162 balls. Captain Gill came to the crease in his place.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed after play that Rahul's issue was purely cramps and he was expected to resume...