KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket at Lord’s – Kumble Slams Decision
The gripping third Test between India and England at Lord’s saw a moment of brilliance and blunder that could shape the rest of the match. As KL Rahul reached a hard-fought century — his second at the iconic venue — the celebrations were short-lived. Just moments earlier, a poor call for a single resulted in Rishabh Pant’s run-out, breaking a critical 141-run stand and inviting sharp criticism from experts, especially Anil Kumble.
🎯 The Turning Point: Pant’s Dismissal Before Lunch
India, who resumed Day 3 at 145/3, had stabilized their innings thanks to KL Rahul’s composed strokeplay and Pant’s counter-attacking flair. The two kept England at bay for over two hours, frustrating the hosts and setting a solid foundation. KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
But in the last over before lunch, Rahul, on 95, nudged a delivery from Shoaib Bashir straight to a fielder and called Pant for a quick single, hoping to reach his hundred before the break. England captain Ben Stokes, ever alert, fired in a direct hit from mid-off to dismiss Pant for 72, triggering immediate regret.
🗣️ KL Rahul: “It shouldn’t have happened”
Rahul, who reached his 10th Test century after the interval, acknowledged the misjudgment:
“Not ideal,” he said in the post-day press conference. KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
“There was a conversation a couple of overs before that. I told him (Pant) that I will try to get my hundred before lunch. Bashir was bowling the last over, so I thought there’s a good chance. But it was hit straight to the fielder… it shouldn’t have happened, a run-out at that stage really changed the momentum.”
Rahul also reflected on the emotional toll of the moment:
“Obviously, nobody wants to throw their wicket like that. It was disappointing for both of us. We were in a really good position, and losing two set batters around the lunch break wasn’t ideal.”
🔥 Anil Kumble Criticizes Rahul and Pant
Former captain and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble didn’t hold back in his analysis of the incident during his commentary on JioHotstar: KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
“This was unnecessary. You could have just blocked the next three balls, gone to lunch, and continued the great work. It was a fantastic partnership that was thrown away.”
Kumble pointed out the communication breakdown, citing Pant’s hesitation and Rahul’s eagerness:
RUN OUT! 🙌
Ben Stokes aims and fires at the stumps and Rishabh Pant is out! ❌ pic.twitter.com/Z9JWwV9aS4
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2025
“Pant called and then hesitated, and KL was already running. The delay cost them. It’s these little decisions that change Test matches.” KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
🧠 Milestone Pressure? Joe Root Shows the Way
Kumble also brought up a stark contrast with England’s Joe Root, who had finished on 99 not out on Day 1 and calmly came back next morning to complete his 37th Test century:
“Root had to wait overnight. He didn’t push the issue. These are moments where maturity counts,” Kumble remarked. KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
Rahul, despite his eventual success in reaching the milestone, saw the innings unravel quickly after. Pant was dismissed just before the break, and Rahul himself fell soon after lunch — both well-set batters gone in the span of three overs. KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
📊 The Scorecard Snapshot
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 100 | 177 | Bowled (Bashir) |
| Rishabh Pant | 72 | 95 | Run Out (Stokes) |
| Rahul-Pant Stand | 141 | — | 4th Wicket |
🕊️ Momentum Lost
The loss of momentum following the run-out was evident. What could have been a first-innings lead for India turned into a level playing field going into the fourth day. England, buoyed by the breakthrough, started their second innings on level terms and were 2/0 at stumps on Day 3. KL Rahul admits hundred chase cost Pant wicket
🧵 Key Reactions
-
KL Rahul: “I told him I’d try before lunch. That over seemed like the opportunity.”
-
Anil Kumble: “You threw away a great partnership. It could’ve waited.”
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Ben Stokes: (on the run-out) “Just instincts. We needed that moment.”
📌 Lessons and Looking Ahead
The incident not only underlined the fine margins in Test cricket, but also the discipline required during milestone moments. Rahul’s century might go down in the record books, but it came at the cost of Pant’s wicket, India’s momentum, and possibly their chance to dictate terms in the second innings.
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