GALLE: India vice-captain KL Rahul walked off the field after suffering severe cramps on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.
Rahul had anchored the Indian innings with a solid 77 before he had to retire hurt shortly after the tea interval. His 162-ball stay featured nine boundaries and one six.
The right-hander looked in good touch, steadying the innings and keeping the scoreboard moving from the top order. However, the hot and humid conditions in Galle took a toll on him late in the afternoon. Apart from severe dehydration and cramping, Rahul also experienced pain in a finger on his right hand.
After getting initial treatment from the medical staff on the ground, Rahul decided to leave the pitch and walked back to the dressing room with the team physio. India were sitting comfortably at 138 for 1 when he went off.
Rahul’s departure did not disrupt India’s momentum. No. 3 batter Devdutt Padikkal took full advantage of the good batting conditions, pushing on to register his maiden Test hundred and guiding the team past 200 alongside captain Shubman Gill.
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