After the completion of the Indian Premier League, KL Rahul joined the India camp in England ahead of the second 4-day unofficial Test in Northampton.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the format in May now means that Rahul is the most experienced player in the squad who has been around for almost a decade now — something that adds responsibility on his shoulders.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Following his good knocks in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the top of the order, Rahul is likely to open the batting for India alongside Jaiswal, who was seen in Northamptonshire.
Check out his performance upon joining the Indian team.
KL Rahul joins India in England; slams a ton on Day 1 vs England Lions:
On Day 1 of the Test, after being asked to bat first by England Lions, KL Rahul opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who fell early for 17(26) to Chris Woakes.
Another wicket - Abhimanyu Easwaran quickly fell to Woakes. Rahul held the ground alongside his old friend and the double centurion from the unofficial Test in Canterbury, Karun Nair.
The 33-year-old looked unfazed throughout the day as he made an 86-run stand with Nair who got dismissed for 40(71).
Rahul continued to look comfortable at the crease and went into the dressing room unbeaten at 92 at Tea and returned to complete his ton shortly after the break. It took the batter 151 balls to reach the century mark, which comes as a piece of positive news for India ahead of the series.
Master-𝗞𝗟ass hundred! 👏
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 6, 2025
An innings full of patience, grit, and class - @klrahul is gearing up for the upcoming 5-match Test series against England! 👊
LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/W63I8THSXD
Watch ENGLAND LIONS 🆚 INDIA 'A' | Day 1 👉 Streaming Now on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/jmIBqke7eo
Ahead of the stumps on Day 1, Rahul got dismissed to George Hill and caught by Emilio Gay at 116(168) with 15 fours and a six to his name.
Captain Shubman Gill and co. have also joined the squad and are going to be a part of the India vs India A match in Beckenham from June 13.