KL Rahul Puts Country First: Focus Shifts to England Tests After Birth of Child

Despite the joys of new fatherhood, KL Rahul prioritized national duty, expressing his commitment to the team ahead of the England Tests.

KL Rahul departs the field during a match.

Just weeks after becoming a father, KL Rahul returned to training with Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, his sights firmly set on the England Test series. According to his Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani, Rahul's first words were: "Country first, Hemang bhai. I care for this team." This statement highlights his dedication to the national team.

He embraced the challenges of a new IPL franchise, a quest for a new batting role, and the significant task awaiting him in England. With the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Rahul was expected to step up as a senior player and lead from the front.

Upon joining the Delhi Capitals practice, he immediately focused on batting drills. Badani emphasized Rahul's eagerness to prepare thoroughly for the England tour.

"I really liked the fact that he was someone who said, ‘I want to go to England early. I want to play the side game.’ Forget about the hundred he got — that came later. The intent — that’s what matters. The intent to be there early, to be prepared, to be with the side," Badani told TimesofIndia.com.

Badani further noted the significance of Rahul's decision, "Let’s not forget, he’s a young father, and I don’t think his child is travelling with him initially. So for him to say, ‘Country over my child’ — that’s a huge call. He could’ve easily said, ‘I'm not playing the side game anyway, I’ll just go straight to the Test match.’ But he didn’t."

Rahul demonstrated his commitment by arriving early in England and participating in the unofficial Test against England Lions.

Scores of 116 and 51 in that match sent a clear message: he had arrived.

Paired with Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener, Rahul provided a solid start in the first innings, scoring 42. In the second innings, he capitalized on the opportunity, crafting a well-composed 137 off 247 balls, guiding India to a total of 364.

This century held special significance for the Karnataka player, marking his return to form after a period of inconsistent performances. It was his first Test century since 2023 against South Africa in Centurion, ending a wait of 23 Tests.

Having previously toured England for Tests in 2018 and 2021, Rahul's experience is invaluable. This time, he takes on the role of a senior player, mentor, and influential voice within the team.

He has been observed guiding younger batsmen, including Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and even his childhood friend Karun Nair, who rejoined the Test side after eight years.

"KL made a statement I remember ahead of the Test series: ‘I care for this team, and I want to be here.’ He wanted to go to England. I could see the hunger in his eyes and in his words. In the absence of Rohit and Virat, he becomes the senior-most batter — and he has played that role really well," Badani said.

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"He’s played in England before. And in terms of maturity and technique, you can clearly see he’s more focused now. He knows he has to fill the vacuum left behind. The rest of the squad — apart from Karun — are mostly under 30. So he has to guide players like Sai Sudharsan, Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Nitish Kumar Reddy — all of whom are new to this level," he added.

KL Rahul now serves as a crucial link between India's experienced past and its promising future in Test cricket. His role transcends mere run-scoring; it involves shouldering responsibility and shaping the direction of a new era. Ultimately, KL Rahul chose duty over personal comfort and commitment over convenience.