KL Rahul becomes first Indian opener in 46 years to achieve this record

KL Rahul created history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian opener in 46 years to score over 500 runs in an away Test series.

Rahul has been in terrific form in the series, having smashed two tons and is on the cusp of another century. His patient and gritty knock of 87 not out at the end of Day 4 at Manchester helped India play out a wicket-less final session as the team ended the day at 174/2, still 137 runs behind England.

Rahul is now India's second-highest scorer in the series surpassing Rishabh Pant and behind Shubman Gill.


Staring at a 311-run first innings deficit and a possible innings defeat, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the very first over. However, captain Gill and Rahul steadied the ship with a vital partnership and ensured India batted 62 overs without losing another wicket.

Rahul has been consistent across the eight innings he has batted in, facing relentless new ball attacks and challenging conditions. Sunil Gavaskar was the previous Indian to score more than 500 runs in a series as an opener.

England had dominated the fourth Test, posting a mammoth 669 in their first innings, with Ben Stokes adding to India's misery with 141 runs with the bat. The ton came after five wickets with the ball.

That performance propelled England to a commanding 311-run lead.

As India fight to save the Manchester Test, Rahul’s innings will be crucial on the final day.