A Shocking Collapse in Lincoln
On a green-tinged pitch offering plenty to the seamers, India A's star-studded batting lineup crumbled on the first day of their unofficial Test against New Zealand A. KL Rahul, a senior figure in the side, was the first to depart, dismissed for a duck
in the third over without scoring. His opening partner, the dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal, managed a cautious 17 from 45 balls before he was caught in the slips. With five batsmen in total dismissed for ducks, the team was bundled out for a paltry 113. Only a counter-attacking unbeaten 44 from Yash Rathod prevented an even more embarrassing total. The performance was a baptism of fire for players expected to form the core of the senior team's batting in the upcoming Test series.
KL Rahul's Domestic Red-Ball Form
This recent failure puts KL Rahul's red-ball form under the microscope. His return to domestic cricket for the start of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season was similarly disappointing. Playing for Karnataka against Andhra, the veteran opener was dismissed for just four runs in the first innings and one in the second. It was a surprising low for a player who had recently scored a century in an ODI against the West Indies, highlighting a potential struggle to transition between formats. The decision for senior players to participate in the Ranji Trophy was to gain valuable match practice ahead of the New Zealand tour. However, for Rahul, these early matches in the domestic season have so far raised more questions than answers, particularly after he failed to make a significant score in the 2025-26 Ranji final either, where he was out for 13 in the first innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's Ranji Report Card
Yashasvi Jaiswal has become a vital part of India's Test setup, known for his aggressive approach. However, like Rahul, his start to the most recent Ranji Trophy season was a cause for concern. Opening for Mumbai against Chandigarh, the left-hander was dismissed for a 13-ball duck. While his team, Mumbai, went on to dominate and win the match by an innings, his lack of contribution was noted. This recent run of low scores in first-class cricket, including his 17 in the India A game, contrasts with his established reputation. Jaiswal possesses a formidable First-Class average of over 53, with 2,612 of his 4,968 runs coming in Test cricket at an average of 47.49, demonstrating his proven ability in the longer format. Fans will be hoping this is a temporary dip rather than a trend.
A Blip or A Worrying Trend?
So, should fans be worried? One or two low scores do not define a player's career, especially for batsmen of the calibre of Rahul and Jaiswal. The green conditions in Lincoln were challenging, and top-order batters are always vulnerable in such an environment. However, the fact that both players also failed in the opening round of the Ranji Trophy suggests they might be short on red-ball rhythm. These 'A' tours are designed specifically to help players acclimatise, and this early failure will surely sharpen their focus. While Jaiswal’s aggressive style can lead to occasional low scores, Rahul's recent struggles in the longer format are more notable for a player of his experience. The upcoming innings and matches on this tour will be crucial for both to find their footing and build the confidence needed for the main Test series against a formidable New Zealand side.
