They test your spirit, your character, KL Rahul's emotional post after close Lord's defeat

India suffered a 22-run loss over England in the third Test as hosts went up 2-1

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India's KL Rahul plays a shot from England's Brydon Carse on the third day of the third cricket test at Lord's cricket ground in London, on July 12, 2025.
India's KL Rahul plays a shot from England's Brydon Carse on the third day of the third cricket test at Lord's cricket ground in London, on July 12, 2025.
AFP

Dubai: India faced heartbreak at Lord’s Cricket Ground, falling short by just 22 runs in a gripping third Test against England. The narrow loss saw the visitors' batting falter during a tense chase of 193, allowing England to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

KL Rahul stood out with a gritty knock of 39 before being dismissed LBW, showing resilience amid the collapse. After the match, Rahul took to social media, sharing a series of photos along with a heartfelt caption:

“Some games are more than wins or losses. They test your spirit, your character. And the learnings make you stronger.”

Toughest battles

His words reflected the emotional weight of the contest—a reminder that some of the toughest battles in cricket happen within the mind, not just on the pitch.

The photos captured a rollercoaster of moments: jubilant celebrations after a wicket, Rahul’s personal high of reaching a century, and a powerful image of him embracing Mohammed Siraj—the final wicket to fall and the end of India’s chase.

With the fourth Test at Old Trafford looming, it’s now a must-win game for India. And if they are to bounce back, much will depend on KL Rahul—his composure, his determination, and the steadiness of both his mind and his bat.

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.

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