During the current Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa at Centurion, standout Indian wicketkeeper KL Rahul struck a valiant century to save the day for his country. Rahul maintained his legendary association with this momentous day in cricket history by scoring a heroic ton that helped India recover against South Africa on Boxing Day.
The Indian dressing room erupted in cheers when Rahul hit his century, demonstrating the great importance they take on both this exceptional effort and his amazing batting skills.
When India’s bottom order came under pressure, KL Rahul, with just 5 runs, was batting with two bowling all-rounders and, finally, alongside the fast bowlers alone. Against a ground that primarily favours fast bowlers, he has struck a magnificent 101 from 245 balls, including four fours and four sixes, in what may be his best ever international batting performance.
His performance, in which he did not chase balls beyond the off stump, says volumes about his judgement. It also shows his resolute determination; instead of cowering in dread of losing his wicket, he stayed vigilant to seize boundary possibilities. It says volumes about his skill and dedication to the team that he can switch between batting spots while also taking on the added duty of wicketkeeping.
KL Rahul shines in new role in familiar conditions
Rahul was given a new task, and it has caused a contentious discussion among Indian cricket fans. The 31-year-old was playing in his 48th Test match and was making his first appearance as the team’s designated wicketkeeper-batter. Since Rishabh Pant’s tragic car tragedy a year ago, India has had three players perform in that role.
Something about Centurion, and the Boxing Day Test seems to bring out the best in KL Rahul. The right-hander scored a magnificent century two years prior in his usual position as opener, which helped India win the first of three Test matches.
Fans react as KL Rahul scores crucial hundred at Centurion against South Africa in Centurion during first Test:
HUNDRED BY KL RAHUL….!!!
A knock which will be remembered by history for a long time – a century in South Africa when the team was under pressure. This is the KL 2.0 and he's unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/R7cYVSSt0L
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2023
What a klassic player pic.twitter.com/navaFKK7qq
— RUDRA????? (@invincibl39) December 27, 2023
He arrived, played, and emerged victorious. A WELL DESERVING CENTURY ? pic.twitter.com/XlbQM9k1mJ
— Deeksha. (@CrickettFanGirl) December 27, 2023
HUNDRED FOR KL RAHUL. ?
India 107 for 5, in big big trouble, returning into the Test team, taking the Keeping role and he smashed a brilliant hundred while batting with lower order & tailenders – one of the most memorable knocks by an Indian in South Africa. ? pic.twitter.com/0TXYBA6K30
— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) December 27, 2023
Go for 200 KL
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) December 27, 2023
Yaha kya hogya tha uss bkl ko? pic.twitter.com/iOZGlxHVjO
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) December 27, 2023
One if the best inning more power to u kl
— @vipin mishra ?? (@viplnt) December 27, 2023
KLassy century by KL Rahul pic.twitter.com/n4Tu9GZQKp
— Mahessh Devendra (@mahesshdevendra) December 27, 2023
Show me a better comeback than KL Rahul's in international cricket.
— Prantik (@Pran__07) December 27, 2023
KL Rahul is back bone of this test match from indian side ?? pic.twitter.com/PIlE5jAEIi
— Babar badshah??? (@MeharTaha104) December 27, 2023
