KL Rahul Becomes Leading Test Opener of 2025
Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has claimed the top spot among Test openers in 2025, surpassing England’s Ben Duckett with a composed knock on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad. Rahul’s consistent form continued as he guided India’s innings with maturity and precision.
Earlier, both Rahul and Duckett were level on 602 runs this year. By stumps, Rahul had moved ahead with an unbeaten 53*, marking his 19th Test half-century and underlining his importance at the top of the order.
Rahul Extends His Lead in 2025 Rankings
KL Rahul remained solid throughout the day, scoring 53 off 114 deliveries with six boundaries, while captain Shubman Gill was steady at 18 from 42 balls. With this innings, Rahul now leads the list of highest run-scoring openers in Tests in 2025:
KL Rahul: 625* runs
Ben Duckett: 602 runs
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 479 runs
Usman Khawaja: 461 runs
Zak Crawley: 414 runs
India began well with a 68-run partnership between Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-hander looked composed but fell for 36, followed soon by B Sai Sudharsan for 7. Despite the wickets, India remained firmly in control on Day 1 of the two-match series.
Jaiswal’s Calculated Start Ends Prematurely
Jaiswal, known for his aggressive approach, initially curbed his instincts, taking 37 balls for his first boundary. Once set, he accelerated quickly, smashing six more fours in just 16 deliveries. His innings shifted gears from a patient 4 off 36 balls to an aggressive 36 off 54, featuring seven boundaries.
However, his attacking intent cost him his wicket. Attempting a cut to a delivery too close to his body, he edged it behind to Shai Hope, giving Jayden Seales the breakthrough.
Rahul’s Consistency Defines India’s 2025 Campaign
Rahul’s remarkable year continues as he now stands third among all Test run-scorers in 2025, behind only Shubman Gill and Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams. His finest knock came at Leeds with a fighting 137 in the second innings, though it wasn’t enough to seal victory. He also reached three figures at Lord’s and contributed a crucial 90 in Manchester to help India draw the series.
With this latest achievement, Rahul has cemented his status as one of the most reliable openers in red-ball cricket. His form could be a decisive factor in shaping India’s Test fortunes in the remainder of 2025.
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