IND A vs AUS A 2025: KL Rahul falls early citing form concerns ahead of West Indies Tests

KL Rahul. (Photo by Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Indian opener KL Rahul had a brief and disappointing outing for India A against Australia A at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, September 24. Australia A had posted a massive first-innings total of over 400 runs, putting pressure on the home side.

India A began their innings in the first session of Day 2, with KL Rahul and Narayan Jagadeesan opening the batting. Rahul, known for his composed style, faced 24 balls and managed only 11 runs, including a solitary boundary, before being dismissed by Will Sutherland, caught behind by wicketkeeper Josh Phillippe. His early dismissal halted India A’s momentum, especially with Australia A having already set a formidable total.

Following Rahul’s departure close to lunch, Sai Sudharsan joined Jagadeesan at the crease. At the break, Sudharsan had scored 1* from five balls, while Jagadeesan contributed a steady 24* from 33 deliveries, hitting five fours. India A reached 38 for the loss of one wicket in 10 overs.

Earlier, Australia A’s innings lasted 97.2 overs, during which they were eventually bowled out for 420. The inning was boosted by a strong 91-run partnership for the final wicket between Todd Murphy and Henry Thornton. Murphy scored 76 off 89 balls, featuring 12 fours and a six, while Thornton remained unbeaten on 32. The visitors’ innings had earlier been anchored by Nathan McSweeney, who scored 74 from 162 balls, and Jack Edwards, who played a brisk 88 off 78 deliveries on the opening day of play.

For the Dhruv Jurel-led side, Gurnoor Brar impressed with figures of 3/75, and Manav Suthar produced a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/107. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj picked up one wicket each. Despite the strong bowling effort, India A found themselves under significant pressure early in their second innings. At lunch on Day 2, India A trailed by 382 runs.

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