KL Rahul lit up Lord’s with his second century at the historic venue, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat after Dilip Vengsarkar. However, the applause was short-lived.
Just after reaching his 100, Rahul threw away his wicket with what experts labelled a “lazy” and “nothing” shot. While praise flowed in for his overall effort, criticism quickly followed from former cricketers including Dinesh Karthik and Abhinav Mukund.
Here’s what happened and why it’s stirring debate.
[REPORT] KL Rahul’s Rollercoaster at Lord’s: From Glory to Gaffe
KL Rahul’s 10th Test century was supposed to be the highlight of Day 3 at Lord’s during the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Instead, it became a talking point for all the wrong reasons.
Rahul, who had already scored a century at Headingley earlier in the series, played a gem of an innings in tough English conditions. But moments after bringing up his ton, he misjudged a tossed-up delivery from Shoaib Bashir and edged it tamely to slip.
Why does it matter? Because Rahul had looked in total control. His dismissal wasn’t just unexpected—it felt like a breach of trust for fans who saw him anchor India’s innings with grit and poise.
CENTURY for KL Rahul! 👏👏
His 10th HUNDRED in Test Cricket 💯
And 2nd Ton at Lord’s 🏟️👌
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/X4xIDiSUqO#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @klrahul pic.twitter.com/vFDNhWsnH5
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 12, 2025
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[UPDATE] Karthik’s Dual Take: Praise and Disappointment
Dinesh Karthik, who was talking during the game, was very open. Before, he said Rahul was “India’s best batter in all formats last year” and also called him “underrated.”
But after the outing, he started to speak in a negative way. “That was a weak shot.” Karthik said, “He’ll be really upset as he walks through the Long Room.” “It was a big mistake in paying attention,” he said. Karthik had company.
Former India player Abhinav Mukund also spoke up, calling it a “lazy shot” — which was surprising since Rahul hadn’t played any shot like that during the whole innings.
[TRENDING] The Turning Point: A Perfect Innings Ruined by One Ball
Until his dismissal, Rahul was rock solid. He punished loose deliveries, especially one over from Brydon Carse where he smashed three boundaries.
His footwork against pace and patience against spin were textbook. Then came Bashir’s floated ball outside off stump.
Instead of defending it conventionally, Rahul tried to guide it with an open face — a shot out of place and out of rhythm. The ball kissed the edge and flew straight to first slip.
The moment shattered the calm he had built over 177 balls. India, at that point, were 316/7 at Tea, still trailing England by 71 runs.
Thankfully, Ravindra Jadeja (40*) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (24*) held firm till the tea break.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Rahul’s Test Numbers at Lord’s (Quick Look)
| Match | Opponent | Score | Result |
| 2021 | England | 129 | India won |
| 2025 | England | 100 | Match in progress |
With two Lord’s hundreds now, Rahul joins an elite club—yet ironically, his latest feat is being overshadowed by one poor decision.
Amit Mishra’s Take
As a cricket writer and big fan, KL Rahul’s innings was like seeing a well-made movie—until the ending was disappointing. It was all there: grace, focus and skill. Then, just one mistake, one choice, changed success into trouble.
It shows us why cricket is all about special times. You can get a perfect score and still feel sad when you leave the game.
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