KL Rahul's much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy was short-lived, as the Indian opener managed to score only 26 runs off 37 balls before being dismissed. Playing for Karnataka in their crucial Group C match against Haryana at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Rahul received a warm reception from the crowd upon his arrival at No. 3. The stadium, though only semi-packed, echoed with chants of "Rahul, Rahul" as the stylish right-hander took his position at the crease. Making his first appearance in the tournament since February 2020, Rahul looked in excellent touch from the outset, displaying his trademark elegance. He struck four delightful boundaries and built a fluent 54-run partnership with Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal for the second wicket.

However, just as he seemed set for a significant innings, Rahul fell in the post-lunch session to Haryana’s star pacer Anshul Kamboj.