SL vs IND 2026: ‘I thought it was KL Rahul’s fault’ – Aakash Chopra on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out

Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed in an unfortunate run-out during India’s first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15. The incident occurred during the final ball of the 11th over when KL Rahul placed the ball towards mid-on and set off for a quick single.

Jaiswal, positioned at the non-striker’s end, got into a tangle with the bowler and lost his footing, leaving both batters stranded at the same end. Prabath Jayasuriya hurled the ball to the wicketkeeper, completing the dismissal. Jaiswal departed after scoring 32 runs in what marked his 30th Test appearance. Notably, he has now played at 30 different venues across his Test career.

“This was Yashasvi’s 30th Test, and he has played at 30 different venues. He scored 32 in this match and got run out. I thought it was KL Rahul’s fault because Yashasvi had fallen after the bowler’s leg hit him. He wouldn’t have reached the other end even if he had gotten up and run,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

How the run-out unfolded

Chopra identified a clear communication breakdown between the two batters as the root cause of the dismissal. Rahul had already committed to the single and was focused on reaching the bowler’s end without monitoring his partner’s situation.

“Rahul had already committed. He was watching the ball and wasn’t looking at his partner at all, as to what had happened with him, and eventually, an unfortunate run-out. A run-out in a Test match is a bad way to get out. It was a communication breakdown. Life is not that fair sometimes,” Chopra said.

Chopra’s assessment of Rahul’s role

Chopra praised Rahul’s experience and versatility as a batter, highlighting his ability to play cautiously and score centuries in Test cricket. The 34-year-old deputy captain has demonstrated such qualities across multiple formats and venues.

“KL Rahul stood there. He is versatile. When he wishes, he has such incredible control over his game and senses. When a Test match comes, he scores a hundred while playing cautiously, whether it is Afghanistan or here. He takes his time. He allows the ball to come to him. Although that knock was cut short due to cramps, he can return,” Chopra said.

“He is retired hurt and not retired out. So he can walk in to bat anytime he is comfortable. He will hopefully score a century as well,” he concluded.