1st Test: KL Rahul Retires Hurt With Severe Cramps After Scoring 77 Against Sri Lanka

August 15, 2026

Galle: India vice-captain KL Rahul retired hurt on 77 after suffering severe cramps during the final session of the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.

Rahul, who faced 162 balls and hit nine boundaries and a six, was unable to continue after experiencing intense muscle spasms in his hands, wrist and legs.

The 34-year-old had resumed batting after the tea break alongside Devdutt Padikkal, but immediately signalled to the umpires that he was in considerable discomfort and could not hold his bat properly.

Rahul Struggles With Severe Cramps

Rahul had already received treatment from the team physio for a cramp in his right forearm during the 51st over before tea.

His condition worsened after the break as he experienced contractions in his left hand and wrist. He was visibly struggling with the cramps and eventually had to be assisted off the field by the Indian team physio.

Broadcast visuals showed Rahul needing support even while climbing the stairs to the dressing room.

It remains unclear when Rahul will be fit to return and resume his innings later in India’s first innings.

Rahul, Padikkal Put India in Strong Position

Before retiring hurt, Rahul and Padikkal had forged a 150-run unbeaten partnership for the second wicket, putting India in a commanding position.

India reached 197/1 in 53 overs, with captain Shubman Gill replacing Rahul at the crease alongside Padikkal.

Rahul had anchored India’s innings following the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and brought up his 21st Test half-century during a patient knock.

Padikkal, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 84 off 122 balls at tea, marking his return to Test cricket after November 2024.

India Dominate Rain-Affected Opening Day

Rain delayed the proceedings and resulted in an extended lunch break, with 80 minutes of play lost.

After play resumed, Padikkal accelerated his scoring and completed his second Test half-century off 81 balls. Rahul continued to play a more measured innings, capitalising on loose deliveries from the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Sri Lanka struggled to create regular opportunities on a slowing surface, although Padikkal survived a close chance when he edged off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha in the 47th over.

At the end of the session, India were comfortably placed at 197/1, with Padikkal unbeaten on 84 and Rahul on 77 before his retirement hurt.

Brief score: India 197/1 in 53 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 84*, KL Rahul 77*) vs Sri Lanka.