KL Rahul, displaying remarkable confidence, led the successful run chase in the unofficial Test series held at the Allan Border field, in Brisbane. As the team captain, Rahul anchored a successful 412-dash during the 4th innings. His 176-run unbeaten knock in the 4th innings meant that the Rahul clinched the series 1-1. The performance gave Rahul a release from the critics that had tagged along for the series. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series gladiators would take heart from the performance and the robust reserve Rahul showcased.
The match dynamics on the first day resonated with the potential of a Test match scrapbook. The Australians, captained by Nathan McSweeney, took control of the match. After winning the toss, they accumulated 312 runs in the first innings in large part to the century from down under opener Marcus Harris and a down the order 78 from the Australian all-rounder Beau Webster. The Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna led India A first innings attack did not prevent a solid Australian foundation as they scored 312 runs.
Initially, the performance by India ‘A’ was unimpressive. In their first innings, India ‘A’ scored only 215 runs. It was Abhimanyu Easwaran, with 56 runs, who was the only one to make any significant contribution. Easwaran’s innings was scored on a pitch with varying bounce, but the rest of the middle order collapsed to the pace of Michael Neser (5-48) and the spin of Todd Murphy (3-52). After being asked to follow on and trailing by 97 runs, India ‘A’ needed to put in a better performance with the ball in their second innings.
The bowling performance by India ‘A’ in their second innings was a vast improvement. Australia ‘A’ declared their innings at 314 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. After the declaration, Australia ‘A’s captain set a target of 412 runs for India ‘A’ to chase. Sydney cricketers Josh Philippe and McSweeney scored centuries. Philppe scored his century of 105 runs and McSweeney scored 88 runs. However, it was the spinners of India ‘A’ who turned the game. Off-spinner Tanush Kotian took 4 wickets for 92 runs and Washington Sundar took 2 wickets for 67 runs. India ‘A’ got the final innings on a 3rd day and wore off pitch to chase the score.
There was excitement and a bit of stress on the morning of the fourth day of the campaign. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Easwaran from India ‘A’ started well, creating a score of 85 for the first wicket. Gaikwad made a classy 52 with 7 boundaries which demonstrated his ability against the new ball. Nonetheless, both openers departed and India ‘A’ had a score of 112-2 at the lunch break. Shubman Gill, the No. 3 batsman, was also playing well and made a quick 45 before he was dismissed by a gully catch from Sean Abbott.
As the new batsman, KL Rahul came in at No. 4, which has become his new batting position with the most recent 257 runs still remaining for the India ‘A’ team. Rahul was calm. He started slowly and scored runs on the loose balls while leaving the tightly bowled deliveries. He made the score 157-3. His partnership with Hanuma Vihari with 68 was vital since it was the only substantial amount of runs made. 142 for the 4th wicket was a pivotal amount and Vihari was a worthy foil in his steady inning which allowed Rahul the license to increase the run rate.
Rahul shifted his focus as the afternoon period approached. His outstanding drives through the covers were complemented by his stunning ability to control the short balls. With frightening ease, he pulled Abbott and Neser. From then on, he reached his fifty in 82 balls and celebrated his century in 145 with a straight drive to Murphy. Along with the Australians, the Indian expats were equally enthusiastic, and all applauded as Rahul 152 and stripped all the Australians of their celebrated master class. The balance of defiance and aggression, the changing of the spear, and the complete submission of the senoliners was a class to remember.
With the target now under 100, Murphy was able to get the wicket of Vihari, and even then, he needed to make no rash movements. He and Rinku Singh (42*) created an unbroken 113-run partnership in which Rinku was able to make the final blow with three sixes in an otherwise uneventful period of play. The match was fittingly finished by Rahul mantaining his 176. off 238 balls and the control of his near 74 strike rate was testamint to his dominance control was reflected in his dominance. The finishing runs were a testament to near complete dominance, the border was a fitting closing leaning on Neser.
Post-match, Rahul reflected on his performance: “Chasing above 400 in the 4th innings is never easy, especially away from home. But the belief was there, and that’s what mattered. Rewarding to contribute after the effort.” His captain Jasprit Bumrah, who fast-bowled and captained India ‘A’, praised the effort: “KL was outstanding. This win shows our bench strength and prepares us well for the big series.”
For Australia ‘A’, the loss was a setback. McSweeney admitted, “We had them on the ropes, but Rahul’s innings was special. We’ll learn from this.” Neser, the pick of the bowlers with 3-89 in the 2nd innings, lamented missed opportunities.
This victory shows the strength of India in the red-ball format. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be played in November 2025, Rahul’s form strengthens his position for the senior team. Selector Ajit Agarkar watching from the stands will be pleased. The 412 run chase is now part of the ‘A’ team lore, and is comparable to the 406/4 historic chase against the West Indies in 1976.
This series undeniably allows fringe players to get an opportunity to showcase their talent. Rahul has been inconsistent, but this innings was a class innings. As Indian cricket advances, these performances exhibit a growing Indian cricket talent that reconciles the disparity between our domestic and international levels.
The series decider? It’s anyone’s game but India ‘A’ is riding high on momentum. Fans across the globe witnessed Rahul’s innings and will remember this day for his perseverance and skill under pressure.
