KL Rahul: "This Series Will Rank Right at the Top" for Indian Test Cricket

After India pulled off a stunning six-run victory in the final Test at The Oval to level the five-match series 2-2 against England, senior batter KL Rahul called the result "one of India's greatest Test achievements" — particularly for a young and evolving team missing several stalwarts.

“For us, as a team that wasn’t given a chance in this series, to fight in every game and come back with a 2-2 result… for Indian Test cricket, this will rank right at the top,” Rahul said after the dramatic finale.

The series — which saw all five Tests go into the final day — was the first since the retirement of veterans Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin, marking a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of Indian cricketers.

A Test for Character

Rahul, who scored 532 runs in 10 innings at an average of 53.20, was the third-highest run-scorer of the series. Reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of the tour, he described it as a true test of character.

“This series has taken everything — physically, mentally, emotionally — out of us,” he said. “It’s hard to describe the feeling. We’re absolutely proud of ourselves.”

While admitting that a series win would have been ideal, Rahul said the draw was still immensely satisfying for a side full of fresh faces.

“For a young team to come here, for many of us to step up and show the world we can win games outside India — that’s a testament to what this team is about.”

Filling Big Shoes

Having toured England before, Rahul assumed a more senior role within the squad this time, especially in the absence of India’s former big three.

“It hit me when I joined the team that there was no Rohit, no Virat, no Ashwin,” Rahul said. “That’s when I realised others are looking to me for advice about the conditions. I knew then I had to step up and help the younger guys. This is a young team that’s going to be around for a long time.”

On a personal note, Rahul said he was pleased with his consistency and responsibility as an opener, calling it a goal he had set before the series began.

Shubman Gill’s Leadership and Team Brilliance

Rahul had special praise for Shubman Gill, who led the side in his first full series as Test captain and topped the run charts with 754 runs in 10 innings.

“Shubman has been phenomenal,” Rahul said. “He’s worked behind the scenes to build connections in the group, he’s been tactically sharp, and the changes he made often led to breakthroughs. He’s growing into a really strong Test captain.”

Rahul also acknowledged the standout contributions of other players:

Mohammed Siraj, series’ highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets, including the decisive three-wicket burst on the final morning at The Oval.
Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 516 runs down the order, proving invaluable with the bat.
Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar, all of whom had game-defining moments across the series.

“In every game, four or five players stood up. That kind of team performance gives us immense satisfaction. This wasn’t just about individual brilliance — it was a complete squad effort,” Rahul said.

A Series for the Ages

Calling back to his earlier experiences — including watching India lift the Champions Trophy and World Cup — Rahul underlined the significance of this drawn series in the broader context of Indian cricket.

“Nothing compares to lifting a World Cup,” he said. “But the way both teams played here — the intensity, the fight — I think we’ve answered questions about the future of Test cricket.”

For KL Rahul and this new-look India side, the 2-2 draw in England may not have brought a trophy — but it brought belief, unity, and a defining moment in their transition into a new era.