KL Rahul Chooses National Duty Over Family, Eyes Strong Performance in England Tests

A new father's instinct might be to devote every waking moment to his infant child, but KL Rahul demonstrated a different kind of commitment. As he geared up for the IPL 2025, his words to Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani revealed his focus: "Country first, Hemang bhai. I care for this team." His sights were firmly set on the England Test series.

India's KL Rahul walks off the field (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having retired from Tests, the pressure was on Rahul to step up as a senior player. He embraced the challenge, demonstrating his dedication from the moment he arrived for Delhi Capitals practice.

Badani noted Rahul's eagerness to prepare. "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."

He further emphasized the significance of Rahul's choice: "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's commitment was evident. He participated in the unofficial Test against England Lions, making a strong statement with scores of 116 and 51.

Following a period of shifting roles in his Test career, Rahul opened alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. He 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.

This century held special significance for Rahul, marking his return to form after a series of challenges. His previous Test century was in 2023 against South Africa.

Having previously toured England for Tests in 2018 and 2021, Rahul's experience is invaluable. Now, he is a senior figure, a mentor, and a vital voice in the dressing room.

He has been observed guiding younger players like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and even his childhood friend Karun Nair.

Badani stated, "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."

He added, "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."

KL Rahul is bridging the gap between India's experienced past and its promising future in Test cricket. His role extends beyond scoring runs; it encompasses responsibility and shaping the direction of a new era.