India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided a positive KL Rahul injury update after the senior batter was forced to retire hurt on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Rahul was batting beautifully on 77 when cramps started troubling him. Just before tea, he appeared to suffer discomfort in his hand and was finding it difficult to hold the bat properly.
The tea break gave Rahul some time to receive treatment and take fluids. However, when he returned after the break, the discomfort returned even before he could properly resume his innings.
The cramps continued to trouble him, and Rahul eventually decided that he could not carry on. He was also seen walking uncomfortably while making his way back to the dressing room.
It was a worrying sight for India, especially considering how well Rahul had been batting.
However, the latest update from the Indian camp should provide some relief.
Sitanshu Kotak Confirms KL Rahul Is Fit Enough to Bat
The good news for India is that batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has indicated that Rahul’s condition is not a major concern.
According to Kotak, Rahul is fine and should be fit enough to bat on Day 2.
That is a big relief for the Indian team.
Rahul retired hurt on 77 after facing 162 deliveries, but his innings had already given India a strong platform.
He showed patience, played with control and handled the Sri Lankan attack well before cramps forced him to leave the field.
The fact that he could be available to resume his innings on Day 2 means his knock may not be over yet.
🚨GOOD NEWS FOR INDIA 🚨
Indian Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirms that KL Rahul is fine and fit to play🏏
📷: SonyLiv pic.twitter.com/s5vEuIITUB
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) August 15, 2026
KL Rahul’s Cramps Looked Worrying on Day 1
The concern around Rahul was understandable because he appeared to be in considerable discomfort.
Initially, the problem seemed to be around his hand and forearm. Holding the bat comfortably became difficult, and the physio had to come onto the field to treat him.
There was hope that the tea interval would be enough for him to recover.
But when Rahul returned, the cramps troubled him again.
Eventually, continuing to bat was no longer sensible, and he retired hurt on 77.
Importantly, there has been no indication so far of a major injury. The problem has been described as cramps, and Kotak’s update suggests India are not overly concerned about Rahul’s availability for Day 2.
Why Rahul’s Fitness Is So Important for India
Rahul’s fitness is important because he is one of the most experienced batters in the current Indian Test side.
He had already done the hard work on Day 1.
Rahul faced 162 balls for his 77 and played the anchor role while Devdutt Padikkal attacked more freely from the other end.
Their partnership put India firmly in control.
Losing Rahul for the remainder of the innings would have been disappointing, particularly when he looked set for a much bigger score.
India will therefore be delighted if he is able to return on Day 2.
Can KL Rahul Complete His Century on Day 2?
Rahul is only 23 runs away from a century.
If he is comfortable enough to resume his innings, a hundred is still very much possible.
Before the cramps, Rahul looked calm and settled. He was not taking unnecessary risks and had already spent enough time at the crease to understand the conditions.
The biggest question will be how his body responds after a night’s rest.
India will not want Rahul to take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. But if the cramps have completely settled, he has an excellent opportunity to continue from where he left off.
A century would be a deserved reward for the patience and control he showed on Day 1.
India Have a Big Opportunity on Day 2
Rahul’s potential return would also strengthen India’s position considerably.
Devdutt Padikkal’s century has already provided the foundation for a big first-innings total, while Rishabh Pant is also at the crease.
If India can bat for a major part of Day 2 and continue piling up runs, the pressure will shift completely onto Sri Lanka.
That is particularly important in Galle, where batting can become increasingly difficult as the Test progresses and the pitch begins to offer more assistance to the spinners.
India do not need to rush.
The first job should be to build as big a first-innings total as possible.
Rahul returning to the middle would only give them another experienced batter capable of extending that advantage.
