KL Rahul had a phenomenal outing in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England, scoring 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries across the series. His stellar performances helped him become only the second Indian opener to score 500+ runs in a Test series in England, a rare feat that places him among the country’s best.
However, Rahul missed the opportunity to surpass a legendary milestone. Coming into the final Test at The Oval, the right-hander needed just 17 runs to break Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 542 runs, set during the 1979 England tour. Unfortunately, he managed only 7 runs in his last innings, ending the series with 532 runs in 10 innings at an average of 53.32, falling agonizingly short of Gavaskar’s mark by 10 runs.
This near miss does not overshadow Rahul’s consistency and impact throughout the series. His fluent stroke play and ability to handle the swinging Duke’s ball earned him accolades, and he now joins an elite list of Indian openers who have thrived in English conditions.
Most runs by an Indian opener in a Test series in England:
- 542: Sunil Gavaskar (1979)
- 532: KL Rahul (2025)
- 402: Murali Vijay (2014)
- 368: Rohit Sharma (2021-22)
Rahul’s heroics in the 2025 series will be remembered as one of the finest displays by an Indian opener in challenging English conditions, even though the cherished record slipped from his grasp by a slender margin.
Who has the upper hand?
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 51 took India to 75/2 at stumps on the second day of the fifth Test against England at the Oval. India lead England by 52 runs at stumps on Day 2 with Jaiswal and night watchman Akash Deep (4 not out) at the crease. After taking a lead of 23 runs, England pacer Josh Tongue removed KL Rahul (7) while Gus Atkinson accounted for Sai Sudharsan (11). Earlier, England were bowled out for 247 in their first innings with Mohammed Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh Krishna (4/62) taking four wickets each.