KL Rahul's Fiery Domestic Return: 35-Run Knock in Vijay Hazare Thriller

KL Rahul, one of India's premier batters, made a highly anticipated return to domestic cricket, featuring for Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 against Tripura at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 3.

Rahul walked in at No. 5 after Tripura elected to field first. He started impressively, smashing 35 runs off 28 balls, including one six and four fours, showcasing his classic timing and intent to rebuild match rhythm ahead of international duties.

His promising innings was cut short in the 38th over when he attempted a hook shot off pacer Ajay Sarkar's short-pitched delivery. Tripura wicketkeeper Sentu Sarkar pulled off a stunning one-handed catch, dismissing Rahul in a moment that went viral among fans.

This appearance marks Rahul's rare foray into domestic one-day cricket, signaling his serious intent to sharpen his ODI game amid fierce competition for spots in India's middle order. Karnataka, the defending champions, sit second in Group A with a perfect record, having won all three prior matches convincingly.

Team highlights include opener Devdutt Padikkal's 406 runs with three centuries, skipper Mayank Agarwal's 245 runs featuring a ton and two fifties, and Karun Nair's 238 runs. Karnataka seeks revenge after a recent T20 loss to Tripura, entering this knockout-style phase in top form.

Rahul is likely to play one more match for Karnataka against Rajasthan on January 6 in Ahmedabad, before linking up with the Indian squad for the home ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara, followed by games in Rajkot and Indore.

This domestic stint fulfills BCCI's mandatory participation rule for senior players like Rahul, alongside Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who are also featuring briefly before national call-ups. Rahul's return boosts Karnataka's experience and elevates the tournament's profile, with selectors watching closely for ODI selection cues.