KL Rahul Holds the Key as India Eyes Historic Win at Lord’s, Says Anil Kumble
By Sports Desk | Updated: July 14, 2025 | 11:16 IST
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is set to witness a high-stakes finale as India and England battle it out in the decisive third Test. Heading into the final day, India finds itself in a tense position at 58/4, requiring 135 more runs to chase down a target of 193. With the series currently level, a win would give India a crucial 2–1 lead in the five-match contest.
As the pressure mounts, all eyes are on KL Rahul, who remains unbeaten at the crease and is being touted as the pivotal figure in India’s quest for victory.
India’s Chase Gets Off to a Shaky Start
India’s second innings got off to a disastrous start when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer in just the second over. Despite the early loss, KL Rahul and Karun Nair stitched together a 36-run partnership to stabilize the innings briefly.
However, the respite was short-lived. Nair fell for 14, trapped LBW by Brydon Carse, followed by the quick dismissals of Shubman Gill (6) and Karun Nair. India’s scoreboard stumbled to 58/4, leaving Rahul as the lone experienced batter on the field.
At stumps on Day 4, KL Rahul stood firm on 33 off 47 balls, anchoring the innings with composure, responsibility, and technical finesse.
Kumble’s Insight: “KL Rahul is the Main Man”
Former India coach and legendary spinner Anil Kumble analyzed the match on JioHotstar, emphasizing Rahul’s role in navigating the pressure:
“KL Rahul is going to be the main man for India. If India are to go past this total tomorrow, he needs to be there till the end — not just give India a good start,” said Kumble.
Kumble likened the Test to a “proper seesaw”, given how both teams exchanged momentum frequently throughout the match. He highlighted that Rahul’s presence is vital if India wants to script a successful chase on the challenging Lord’s wicket.
Rahul’s Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Kumble praised Rahul for making a subtle yet critical tweak to his batting approach during the innings. After nearly being caught early on by misjudging a delivery from Chris Woakes, Rahul adapted by allowing the ball to come to him rather than pushing forward.
“Early on, he looked a bit edgy… but from the moment he made that adjustment, he was in control. It was a very smart, experienced move,” Kumble added.
This mental resilience and technical correction under pressure could very well define the outcome of this Test.
Rahul’s Impact in the Test So Far
This Test has already been a standout performance for KL Rahul. He began the match with a composed 53 on Day 2*, weathering Archer’s aggressive pace spell. On Day 3, he followed it up with his second Test century at Lord’s, a venue where few Indian batters have found success.
“It was a fantastic, gritty knock. He had to grind it out, and he did it in typical KL Rahul fashion,” Kumble remarked about the century.
Rahul now joins elite company as only the second Indian to have scored multiple Test centuries at the historic Lord’s ground.
Pitch Conditions: A True Test of Grit
Lord’s has not made life easy for either batting side. The surface has become unpredictable, offering variable bounce and seam movement, especially under cloudy conditions. Batters have been forced to rely on straight-batted defense and patience to survive.
According to analysts, the final day will demand technical precision and mental discipline — both of which Rahul has showcased so far.
Lower Order Support: Will Pant and Co. Step Up?
With Rishabh Pant joining Rahul at the crease, India will look to the duo to form a solid partnership. Pant’s attacking instincts, combined with Rahul’s stability, could help India erase the remaining 135-run deficit.
However, the spotlight is also on the lower-order, including Akash Deep, whose decision to take strike as nightwatchman late on Day 4 sparked debate among fans. Their contributions could prove decisive if England breaks through early on Day 5.
Final Scenarios: What Lies Ahead on Day 5?
- India wins: If Rahul and Pant can withstand early pressure and stitch a meaningful partnership, India could wrap up a famous win.
- England dominates: A couple of early wickets could derail the chase and shift momentum firmly in England’s favor.
- Cliffhanger finish: With the pitch deteriorating and tension peaking, a dramatic, down-to-the-wire finish is on the cards.
🏏 Conclusion: A Defining Day for KL Rahul
As Day 5 dawns at Lord’s, KL Rahul stands as India’s last pillar of hope. With three of the top four dismissed, his temperament and match awareness will be the key factors in determining the outcome. If Rahul delivers, it won’t just be a win for India—it will cement his legacy as one of the finest Test batsmen of his era.
“If India have to cross the line, Rahul must finish the job,” Kumble concluded.
India now awaits a final act of resilience and brilliance from their calm and composed No. 4. Will KL Rahul rise to the occasion?
