In a record-breaking start to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul etched their names into the history books by becoming India’s most successful opening pair in Tests at Headingley. The duo surpassed a 39-year-old record held by the iconic pair of Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth, who had stitched a 64-run stand at the venue back in 1986.
Facing a probing English pace attack after Ben Stokes won the toss and put India in to bat, Rahul and Jaiswal exhibited composure, grit and class. On a pitch offering early movement, the two batters negotiated the initial challenge with patience, playing late and close to the body, while capitalising on the occasional loose delivery.
Their partnership grew in confidence as the session progressed, with Rahul’s elegant drives and Jaiswal’s controlled aggression steadily tilting momentum in India’s favour.
As of the latest update, the Indian pair added 91 runs before Rahul was removed by Carse on 42* and debutant at No. 3 Sai Sudharsan got out on duck playing a false shot a sliding leggish delivery.
In doing so, they also became only the second Indian pair to register a fifty-plus opening partnership at the venue, joining the elite company of Gavaskar and Srikkanth.
Here’s a look at the Highest Opening Stands for India in Tests at Headingley
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul – 87*
Sunil Gavaskar, Kris Srikkanth – 64
Farokh Engineer, Ramesh Saxena – 39
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma – 34
DK Gaekwad, Pankaj Roy – 18
