SL vs IND 1st Test: KL Rahul Survives LBW Decision After Successful DRS Call with Devdutt Padikkal
A dramatic DRS intervention on the final ball of the 11th over during India’s second innings saw KL Rahul overturned from an LBW dismissal against Sri Lanka in the first Test, leading to an emotional celebration with batting partner Devdutt Padikkal.
What Happened
The incident unfolded during the 11th over of India’s second innings. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya delivered a ball with angle and drift that beat Rahul on the inside edge as he prodded forward, striking him on the pads. The on-field umpire upheld the appeal and raised his finger to signal Rahul out LBW.
Rahul initially lacked confidence in challenging the decision. However, non-striker Devdutt Padikkal intervened and urged him to take a Decision Review System (DRS) referral. While the appeal was lodged more in hope than absolute certainty, television replays verified that no bat was involved and that the impact was in line with the stumps. Crucially, ball-tracking technology demonstrated that the trajectory would clear the top of the stumps. The on-field decision was consequently reversed, leaving the Sri Lankan team visibly surprised. Immediately after the reversal, Rahul embraced Padikkal in a bear hug on the pitch in appreciation of the advice.
Key Highlights
- Tense Over: The LBW appeal arrived immediately after Rahul had stepped down the track to hit Jayasuriya for a six on the previous delivery.
- Successful Referral: Ball-tracking showed the ball bouncing over the stumps, overturning the on-field out call.
- First-Innings Foundations: Rahul and Padikkal had previously combined for a 150-run second-wicket partnership in India’s first innings.
- Individual Scores: Rahul contributed 82 runs before being bowled by Keshara Unwantha, while Padikkal compiled 167 runs before falling stumped to Jayasuriya.
- Match Standing: India amassed 462 in their first innings, with Jayasuriya claiming 4/109. Sri Lanka responded with 284, powered by Dinusha’s 100 and Dickwella’s 80, against bowling figures of 4/76 from Suthar and 3/57 from Ravindra Jadeja, handing India a 178-run first-innings advantage.
Why This Matters
The reversal prevented Sri Lanka from securing an early second-innings breakthrough and preserved a key batting partnership. Having already established a 150-run alliance in the first innings, the retention of Rahul at the crease helped India consolidate their overall lead following their 178-run advantage from the opening innings.
What to Watch Next
India continue their second innings in the first Test against Sri Lanka, looking to build upon their first-innings buffer of 178 runs as Jayasuriya and the Sri Lankan bowling attack search for further breakthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who convinced KL Rahul to use the DRS review?
Batting partner Devdutt Padikkal urged Rahul to review the LBW decision after Rahul initially appeared doubtful about challenging the on-field umpire’s call.
Why was the LBW decision overturned?
Although ball-tracking confirmed that the ball hit in line with the stumps and missed the bat, the tracking technology indicated that the delivery would have passed over the top of the stumps.
What did KL Rahul score in the first innings?
Rahul scored 82 runs in the first innings before being bowled by Keshara Unwantha.
Source: Based on reporting published by CricTracker.