Team India’s wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul faced a disappointing dismissal for just one run off six deliveries in the third ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18. The left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox outfoxed him with a soft dismissal at a crucial moment in the run chase of the series decider.
KL Rahul entered the crease at No.5 with India struggling to chase a daunting 338-run target. Following his impressive century in the second ODI, the in-form batsman needed to build a partnership with Virat Kohli to keep India’s hopes alive. However, his innings was short-lived as he managed to score just one run before falling victim to Lennox’s clever bowling.
In the 13th over, KL Rahul attempted to nudge the ball towards the offside but was caught off guard by the ball’s late arrival on the surface. His awkward shot led to the ball popping up towards cover, where Glenn Phillips took a comfortable catch. Disappointed by his dismissal, KL Rahul stared at the crease in disbelief before heading back to the pavilion.
This dismissal left India reeling at 71-4 in the 13th over, paving the way for New Zealand to seize control and secure a historic ODI series win in India. For KL Rahul, this rare failure to reach double figures in ODIs marked the first time since February 2025 that he was dismissed for a single-digit score in the format. His last such instance was during the first ODI against England in Nagpur, where he was dismissed for just two runs by Adil Rashid.
Despite his recent success in ODI cricket, KL Rahul’s early exit in the third ODI against New Zealand highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. As India regroups after the series loss, they will look to bounce back stronger in future contests.
