KL Rahul retires hurt with cramps on Day 1 of India’s Test vs Sri Lanka

KL Rahul is “fine now” after retiring hurt with cramps during India’s Test against Sri Lanka, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said. Rahul scored 77 off 162 balls and shared a 150-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal. Padikkal hit an unbeaten 131 on his Test comeback, while India finished day one strongly at 288 for two.

Vice-captain KL Rahul had to retire on 77 and India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the Bengaluru man is suffering from cramps.

Vice-captain KL Rahul had to retire on 77 and India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the Bengaluru man is suffering from cramps.

KL Rahul's injury scare on the opening day of India's first Test against Sri Lanka is not a major concern. The senior batter retired hurt during the final session after suffering cramps across his body. However, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided a positive update after the day's play, saying Rahul is "fine now".Speaking to reporters after the day's play, Kotak played down concerns over Rahul's condition. "KL batted really well, was getting cramps everywhere. Fine now," the batting coach said. His comments will come as a relief to the Indian team, especially after Rahul had spent a long period at the crease.Sitanshu Kotak: credit to Devdutt Padikkal for preparing & working hard in last 2 years. Both he, Sai are batting well. They are new ball batters… To me its important how they bat in different phases. On KL Rahul: batted really well, was getting cramps everywhere. fine now. pic.twitter.com/PnxyVSOCE2— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) August 15, 2026 Rahul had earlier played a crucial knock of 77 off 162 balls for India. He looked comfortable at the crease and helped India build a strong position alongside Devdutt Padikkal. The pair put together a vital 150-run partnership that helped India take control of the contest.Rahul's problems began during the final session when he started struggling with cramps. He received treatment but continued to experience discomfort in different parts of his body. Eventually, he was forced to leave the field and retire hurt.Injury Scare For KL Rahul? India Opener Retired Hurt After Cramps During IND Vs SL 1st Test In GalleRahul's innings was important for India as he provided stability during a strong batting performance. His partnership with Padikkal laid the foundation for India's dominance on the opening day. With the batter now reportedly feeling fine, India will hope he is fit and available for the next phase of the Test.The team management is likely to continue monitoring Rahul after his cramps. For now, there is no indication of a serious injury, with the issue appearing to be related to cramping. His availability will be closely watched as the Test progresses.

KL Rahul is “fine now” after retiring hurt with cramps during India’s Test against Sri Lanka, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said. Rahul scored 77 off 162 balls and shared a 150-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal. Padikkal hit an unbeaten 131 on his Test comeback, while India finished day one strongly at 288 for two.

KL Rahul was forced to leave the field after appearing to suffer severe cramps, raising concerns over his fitness. Rahul had earlier received treatment in the dressing room before rushing back to the middle. However, he immediately signalled to the umpire that he was struggling with his right hand.The discomfort appeared to worsen when DDS attempted to stretch Rahul's right hand. The batter was seen grimacing in pain before also experiencing cramps in his left hand, particularly between the middle and ring fingers. Rahul was also limping as he struggled to move comfortably.KL Rahul is struggling to walk, feel for him, was dominating at Galle. pic.twitter.com/0KF4G6vy1H— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 15, 2026 The extent of Rahul's injury is yet to be confirmed. The incident has sparked an injury scare, although the initial signs suggest he may be dealing with severe cramping rather than a confirmed serious injury. Further assessment will determine whether Rahul is fit to return to the field.India captain Shubman Gill joined the well set Devdutt Padikkal at the crease, hoping to continue's dominant start to the game. Should Rahul get better, he can resume batting and be the next batter for India. Bizzare Scenes! Yashasvi Jaiswal RUN OUT After Terrible Mix Up With KL Rahul During IND Vs SL 1st Test | VIDEO Nonetheless it is a big blow given how well Rahul was batting. The Indian vice-captain was measured and held his end even as Jaiswal and later Padikkal went about attacking the Sri Lankan attack. He was struggling with cramps throughout the second session and it only seems to have gotten worse. At the time of his retirement, Rahul was batting on 77, having hit nine boundaries and a six.