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Watch- KL Rahul Turns Bowler In Ranji Trophy Final To Impress Gautam Gambhir

Rajgeeta Yadav

KL Rahul [Source: X.com]KL Rahul [Source: X.com]

In a surprising moment during the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 final, India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was seen bowling, something fans rarely see. 

The match was played between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubballi. Since Rahul is known mainly for his elegant batting, his decision to bowl on the last day caught everyone’s attention.

Devdutt Padikkal gives bowling to KL Rahul 

By Day 5, Jammu and Kashmir were already in full control of the final. They were batting confidently and had built a huge lead of more than 540 runs. Meanwhile, Karnataka’s bowlers were struggling badly and looked out of ideas. 

Therefore, with few options left, Karnataka captain Devdutt Padikkal decided to try something different. He handed the ball to KL Rahul in the 81st over to see if he could create a breakthrough.

Notably, KL Rahul rolled his arm over in first-class cricket for the first time in more than 10 years. As soon as he started his run-up, the crowd erupted in loud cheers, clearly enjoying the unusual sight. Even though the match situation was already very difficult for Karnataka, the moment gave fans something memorable to watch.

Could this add another option for India?

Interestingly, Rahul’s short bowling spell also sparked a talking point. Since India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir values versatile players, KL Rahul showing he can bowl part-time spin could be an extra tactical option in the future. Although Rahul is unlikely to become a regular bowler, having another occasional spin choice can sometimes help in tight situations.

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While his bowling grabbed headlines, Rahul’s batting in the tournament was already outstanding. He scored 470 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 78.33. Because of this consistent performance, he remained one of Karnataka’s key players throughout the season.

Jammu and Kashmir dominate the final

Right from the toss, Jammu and Kashmir controlled the match. On Day 4, they had already taken a 291-run lead after pacer Auqib Nabi claimed his seventh five-wicket haul of the Ranji season. His performance put Karnataka under heavy pressure.

Although Mayank Agarwal fought bravely with a superb 160, Karnataka’s batting collapsed soon after his dismissal. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir gained a massive advantage in the final.

What happened on Day 4?

Karnataka bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Vijaykumar Vyshak struck early on Day 4, removing Yawer Hassan and Shubham Pundir before lunch. Consequently, Jammu and Kashmir looked slightly shaky at that stage.

However, opener Qamran Iqbal held the innings together with a calm and determined knock. He received useful support from Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad for a while. Later, Iqbal and Sahil Lotra safely guided the team to stumps at 186/4, extending the lead to 477 runs. Therefore, by the end of Day 4, the title was almost certain to go their way.

 Meanwhile, at the time of writing, J&K currently lead by 576 runs.

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