Picture Credit: Twitter
It was a day to remember for Kannur Lokesh Rahul. For every cricketer, it is nothing less than a dream to score a century at the ‘Mecca of Cricket’, and Rahul lived this dream on the first day of the second Test match. The 29-year-old from Bengaluru, got his name written on the Lord's Honours Board for his outstanding batting performance. He didn't show it but one could definitely see the butterflies in his stomach.
Apart from Rahul himself, his teammates were also overjoyed at his achievement. The Indian skipper was in the middle when Rahul completed his century and he gave Rahul a hug and a pat of appreciation. Rahul finished his innings on 127* on the first day, and on his return to the dressing room, he received a warm response from everyone. In the video shared by BCCI, everyone can be seen welcoming him with a round of applause and then congratulating him for his stupendous knock. From head coach Ravi Shastri, batting coach Vikram Rathore, to Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, everyone took their moment to acknowledge Rahul's brilliant achievement.
Look at the scenes here:
From 20 runs off 105 balls to 127* off 248, Rahul set an example
After getting a lucky break in the top order due to Mayank Agarwal's injury, KL Rahul has made every ball count. He almost scored a century in the first Test when he scored 84 runs in the first innings. However, it couldn't happen. But Rahul did not relax and carried his good form into the second Test as well and this time he made it. He scored his sixth century in Test cricket and got his name listed in the history books.
His discipline and control in the ever challenging English conditions have been admirable. Right from the first ball he played, he looked in immense control. He has shown patience and the perfect temperament to play in Tests. During his century, he took his time to settle and at one point was happy to play second fiddle with Rohit Sharma leading the attack. After his departure, Rahul took the onus on himself and kept England bowlers at bay.