India was chasing the impossible, but Rahul made England sweat with a masterclass for the ages
There's something about the Oval. Ask any Indian cricket fan, and they'll tell you — strange things happen there. In 2018, KL Rahul gave us one such memory. A knock that may not have turned the match on its head, but it certainly turned heads across the cricketing world.
It was the fifth Test of the series. England had already sealed the series 3-1, but there was still pride to play for. India was chasing a target of 464 in the fourth innings — the kind of number that typically spells doom for chasing sides.
The top order collapsed like a house of cards, slipping to 2 for 3 within the first four overs. Yet from that wreckage rose a stunning counterattack — and it was Rahul who lit the fire.
Let's walk through that epic knock.
Credit: ESPN
India's second innings had commenced in utter disarray. Shikhar Dhawan was leg-before to Jimmy Anderson for 1. Pujara followed suit for a duck. Then came the moment that truly made hearts sink — Virat Kohli edged one to Bairstow for a golden duck.
Throughout this time, Rahul stood tall. He didn't panic. He didn't prod outside off like he had all tour. Instead, he adjusted his technique — bringing that front foot forward more deliberately, softening his hands, and meeting the ball earlier.
With Ajinkya Rahane, he began to rebuild. However, it wasn't until Rishabh Pant joined him at 121 for 5 that Rahul truly took off.
And what followed next? Pure theatre.
Credit: ESPN
The partnership between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant was everything this Test series lacked—flair, fearlessness, and fight.
Rahul struck 20 boundaries and a six in his 224-ball innings. There were those exquisite back-foot punches, a few authoritative pulls, and one magnificent six off Ben Stokes that reminded fans of a certain Virender Sehwag.
Together, Rahul and Pant added 204 runs in just 44.3 overs. England, who appeared set for an easy win, suddenly seemed lost. The match felt alive once more. The equation had come down to 166 runs off 33 overs — still steep, but not impossible.
But then came Adil Rashid.
Credit: ESPN
Rahul, on 149, danced down the pitch to a leg break that was pitched miles outside leg stump. It spun savagely, kissed the off bail, and concluded one of the finest fourth-innings knocks by an Indian batter in England.
It was heartbreaking. But also, pure brilliance.
Rahul's innings was the backbone of India's 345-run second innings. He transformed a walkover into a spectacle. England eventually won by 118 runs, but that final day belonged to KL.
Credit: ESPN
Rahul had averaged just 16 in the series before that innings. Critics were sharpening their knives. But this knock reminded everyone that form is temporary — and class is permanent.
India didn't win that match. Or the series. But KL Rahul's 149 showed that he's among the best India has produced in the last decade when it comes to sheer strokeplay and temperament.
The match was Alastair Cook's farewell and Anderson's record-breaking day — but for Indian fans, it was Rahul's day too. A knock that screamed defiance and brought hope to a losing cause.
Credit: ESPN
