As India prepares to face West Indies in the second and final Test of the ongoing series in Delhi, all eyes are on KL Rahul, who is just three runs away from overtaking MS Dhoni in the list of Indian batters with the most Test runs against the Caribbean side. Rahul’s century in the first Test in Ahmedabad has reignited his red-ball form and placed him on the brink of surpassing one of India’s most iconic cricketing figures.
Rahul’s Rise in the West Indies Batting Chart
KL Rahul has scored 474 runs in 11 innings across 8 Tests against West Indies, including two centuries and one half-century. MS Dhoni, in comparison, accumulated 476 runs in 19 innings across 12 Tests, with one century and two fifties. With just three runs separating the two, Rahul is poised to move ahead in the elite list during the Delhi Test.
India’s Top Test Run-Scorers vs West Indies
| Rank | Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunil Gavaskar | 27 | 48 | 2749 | 13 | 7 |
| 2 | Rahul Dravid | 21 | 37 | 1978 | 5 | 13 |
| 3 | VVS Laxman | 18 | 30 | 1715 | 4 | 7 |
| 4 | Sachin Tendulkar | 21 | 30 | 1630 | 3 | 10 |
| 5 | MS Dhoni | 12 | 19 | 476 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | KL Rahul | 8 | 11 | 474 | 2 | 1 |
Rahul’s Century Sets Stage for Record-Breaking Feat
In the first Test, Rahul scored a fluent 100 off 197 balls, anchoring India’s innings and helping the team post a commanding total. His partnerships with Yashasvi Jaiswal (68) and Shubman Gill (98) laid the foundation, while Dhruv Jurel (125) and Ravindra Jadeja (104)* added further dominance. India eventually won the match by an innings and 140 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
India’s First Test Batting Highlights vs West Indies
| Batter | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 100 | 197 | 11th Test century |
| Dhruv Jurel | 125 | 210 | Maiden Test century |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 104* | 189 | Sword celebration, 5 sixes |
| Shubman Gill | 50 | 98 | Solid top-order support |
Rahul’s Test Record Against West Indies
| Year | Venue | Runs Scored | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Kingston | 158 | Draw |
| 2016 | Gros Islet | 50 | India won |
| 2019 | North Sound | 44 | India won |
| 2023 | Port of Spain | 36 | Draw |
| 2025 | Ahmedabad | 100 | India won |
Dhoni vs Rahul: Batting Style and Impact
While MS Dhoni’s contributions came lower down the order with a focus on rescue acts and finishing, KL Rahul has operated as a top-order batter, often setting the tone early. Rahul’s ability to convert starts into big scores has improved in recent years, and his consistency against West Indies reflects his growing maturity in Test cricket.
India’s Batting Evolution Against West Indies
| Era | Key Batters | Style of Play | Series Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s–80s | Gavaskar, Vengsarkar | Defensive resilience | Mixed |
| 1990s–2000s | Dravid, Laxman, Sachin | Technical dominance | Mostly drawn |
| 2010s | Kohli, Dhoni, Pujara | Aggressive intent | India dominant |
| 2020s | Rahul, Gill, Jaiswal | Balanced aggression | India dominant |
What’s Next for KL Rahul
With the Delhi Test set to begin on October 10, Rahul will look to consolidate his position in the batting charts and help India seal the series 2-0. His form will also be crucial for India’s upcoming Test assignments in South Africa and Australia, where top-order stability will be key.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on match reports, player statistics, and verified cricket board updates as of October 9, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute betting advice or player endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
