Archive · 16 Aug 2026
KL Rahul Retires Hurt After Severe Cramps in Galle Test
KL Rahul is a cricket player who plays for India.
He was batting in a big Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle.
He played very well and scored 77 runs.
But during the match his body started to cramp, which means his muscles suddenly tightened and hurt a lot.
First his right forearm cramped, and then the cramps spread to his left hand, his wrist, and his legs.
It became very hard for him to hold his bat, so he had to stop batting and go off the field with the team physio.
Another player, captain Shubman Gill, came in to bat in his place.
Rahul's teammate Devdutt Padikkal kept batting and finished the day with 131 runs without being out.
India ended the day in a strong position at 288/2.
India's batting coach said Rahul is fine now and should be able to bat again the next day.
India vice-captain KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 off 162 balls after severe cramps during the final session of day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium.
The cramps began in his right forearm during the 51st over and later spread to his left hand and wrist, while muscle spasms also affected his legs.
Rahul signalled to the umpires that he was struggling to grip his bat and was assisted from the field by India team physio Kamlesh Jain.
His innings included a 47-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal and a 150-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who completed his maiden Test century and finished unbeaten on 131.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Rahul suffered only cramps, was 'absolutely fine' by the end of the day, and is expected to bat again on day two.
- Who
- India vice-captain and opener KL Rahul, who was assisted off the field by team physio Kamlesh Jain and replaced at the crease by captain Shubman Gill.
- What
- Rahul retired hurt on 77 off 162 balls after severe cramps spread from his right forearm to his left hand and wrist, with muscle spasms also affecting his legs, as India closed day one at 288/2.
- When
- Day one of the first Test, Saturday, August 15.
- Where
- Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- He had struggled with cramps throughout the second session, and the discomfort worsened in the final session until he could no longer grip his bat or continue batting.
Media reports raise injury scare
Team says Rahul is fine
Severity of the condition
Media reports raise injury scare
Several reports described an injury scare, said the extent of Rahul's injury was yet to be confirmed, and indicated that a serious injury had not been ruled out pending further assessment.
Team says Rahul is fine
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Rahul was getting only cramps, looked absolutely fine at the end of the day, and that there was no serious concern.
Return to batting
Media reports raise injury scare
One report said it remained unclear when Rahul would be fit to return and resume batting during India's first innings.
Team says Rahul is fine
Kotak expected Rahul to be good to go and bat again on day two of the Test.
- Player
- KL Rahul
- Role
- India vice-captain and opening batter
- Match
- India vs Sri Lanka, first Test, day one (Saturday, August 15)
- Venue
- Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Score at retirement
- 77 off 162 balls (9 fours, 1 six); 21st Test half-century
- Nature of issue
- Severe cramps in right forearm, left hand and wrist, and legs
- India's score at stumps
- 288/2 after 73 overs, with Padikkal 131 not out and Pant unbeaten alongside him
- Expected availability
- Good to go and bat again on day two, per batting coach Sitanshu Kotak
Sources
KL Rahul Injury Update: Batter 'Fine Now' After Suffering Cramps
IND vs SL: Will KL Rahul bat on Day 2 after retiring hurt? India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gives fitness update
1st Test: KL Rahul retires hurt after severe cramps during India vs Sri Lanka Test
Injury Scare For KL Rahul? India Opener Retired Hurt After Cramps During IND Vs SL 1st Test In Galle
KL Rahul was cramping up, good to go on Day 2, says India batting coach
