During the ongoing India vs England Test at Lord’s, a dramatic moment unfolded when kl rahul dropped yet another crucial catch — this time off Joe Root — leading to immediate frustration among Indian teammates. The moment revived memories of a similar mishap at Edgbaston and sparked heated reactions from Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj on the field.
The dropped catch, occurring during a tense phase of the match, once again raised questions about Rahul’s reliability as a fielder, particularly in high-pressure games. The incident not only gave Root a second life but also shifted momentum momentarily in England’s favor.
The Drop That Changed the Mood
The incident happened in the slips, as Root edged a rising delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. KL Rahul, stationed at second slip, reacted a fraction late, allowing the ball to slip through his hands. Root, who was on 12 at the time, went on to build a crucial partnership, putting the Indian bowling unit under extended strain.
Teammates visibly expressed their disapproval. Mohammed Siraj, who had been building pressure from the other end, couldn’t hide his frustration and was caught on camera saying, “Not again,” while gesturing towards Rahul. His reaction quickly went viral on social media, drawing both empathy and criticism.
Jadeja Confronts KL Rahul on Field
What followed was even more revealing. In an unusual break from on-field etiquette, Ravindra Jadeja was seen walking up to kl rahul moments after the drop. Cameras captured the all-rounder seemingly questioning the lapse in judgment and referencing the earlier drop at Edgbaston.
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While their conversation wasn’t fully audible, lip readers and online commentators speculated that Jadeja said, “Phir bolega,” suggesting Rahul would once again have to justify the error later in the dressing room. Though the confrontation didn’t escalate, it reflected growing tension in the team caused by repetitive mistakes.
Flashback to Edgbaston: A Repeat Offense?
This wasn’t the first time kl rahul’s fielding has drawn criticism. In the Edgbaston Test earlier this series, a similar drop — also off Joe Root — had cost India dearly, as the former England captain made the most of the reprieve and went on to anchor a long innings.
Back-to-back lapses, especially against a key batsman like Root, have made Rahul’s presence in the slips a point of debate among fans and pundits. Some former cricketers have even suggested repositioning him in the field until he regains confidence.
Bumrah’s Quiet Disappointment
Jasprit Bumrah, known for maintaining composure in most situations, didn’t show overt anger, but his body language spoke volumes. A subtle shake of the head and a brief word with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant indicated the team’s awareness of how significant the drop could prove.
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Bumrah has often relied on pressure and discipline to force errors, and losing such chances at key moments can disrupt bowling strategies and morale.
KL Rahul’s Overall Performance in the Series
With the bat, kl rahul has had a mixed series so far. He’s looked comfortable at times but hasn’t converted starts into big scores. His performance in the field, however, has now overshadowed his batting contributions.
Team India, facing a strong England side at home, has little margin for error, and repeated mistakes from a senior player are bound to draw criticism.
Social Media Reactions
Twitter and cricket forums exploded with reactions. Memes, clips, and opinions flooded timelines, with fans expressing disbelief at the repeated nature of the mistake. While some defended Rahul, citing pressure and the difficulty of slip catching, others were less forgiving.
The phrase “Not again KL” trended online shortly after Siraj’s outburst was aired on the broadcast, and users posted side-by-side clips comparing both drops this series.
What the Team Management Is Saying
The Indian team management has so far remained silent on the matter. Sources suggest a closed-door team meeting was held after the day’s play, where fielding positions and individual performances were discussed. Rahul’s fielding role may be reassigned in the next match, especially if mistakes continue.
Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to address the media after the match, and it’s likely he’ll be asked about the issue directly.
England Capitalizes on the Drop
Joe Root, as always, made the most of the reprieve. He went on to score a fluent fifty, frustrating the Indian bowlers and providing stability to England’s innings. His partnership with Ben Stokes helped England close the day in a strong position, something that could’ve been avoided had the catch been taken.
It’s a stark reminder of how small moments in Test cricket can reshape entire sessions or even series.
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The Road Ahead
As the match continues, all eyes will be on kl rahul — whether he can redeem himself with the bat or in the field, or if the management decides to make changes going forward. India cannot afford more errors, especially in tight contests on English soil.
For now, Rahul must contend not only with external criticism but also with growing pressure from within the team setup. The next few innings could be defining — both for the series and his standing in the squad.
