India opener KL Rahul experienced a fortunate escape during the opening session of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday, June 6.
After winning the toss, India captain Shubman Gill chose to bat first. The hosts might have lost Rahul early in the innings had Afghanistan utilized their review following a strong caught-behind appeal.
The incident occurred during the first ball of the 11th over when pacer Ziaur Rahman Sharifi delivered a short-of-a-length ball outside off stump. Rahul attempted an aggressive cut shot, with an audible sound as the ball passed the bat.
Afghanistan players immediately appealed, but the on-field umpire remained unmoved. With the available review option, the visitors engaged in a brief discussion before ultimately deciding against challenging the on-field decision.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi appeared uncertain and consulted wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai, who reportedly did not hear any contact. Meanwhile, Rahmanullah Gurbaz favored taking the review and attempted to persuade his teammates, though the appeal was not ultimately referred.
As the Afghan players debated the DRS option, Rahul maintained composure and indicated no contact between bat and ball. His reaction likely influenced the visitors’ decision not to challenge the on-field verdict.
Shortly after, replays revealed Afghanistan had missed a clear opportunity as UltraEdge displayed a distinct spike as the ball passed the bat, confirming an edge that would have resulted in Rahul’s dismissal had the review been taken.
Former England spinner Graeme Swanncommentating at the time, admired Rahul’s composure during the entire episode and jokingly suggested the Indian batter deserved an acting award.
“KL Rahul has played an absolute blinder here, because the captain and the keeper looked to him, and he shook his head. And they believed him. He should be put up for an Oscar for his acting there, KL Rahul. My hat’s off to you, sir. Here comes the Oscar,” said Swann on air.
“True batters never believe they are out despite the evidence,” Swann further added.
The missed review proved costly for Afghanistan, as Rahul survived what could have been an early dismissal and continued his innings after receiving a significant reprieve.
