KL Rahul’s 101 runs, which included 14 fours and four sixes, increased the team total to 245.
KL Rahul joined the ranks of illustrious Indian batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar and former captain Mohammad Azharuddin in delivering memorable centuries on South African soil. KL Rahul stood tall in the face of a faltering lower order, creating an innings that rang with both wisdom and intent. His 101 runs, which included a six over midwicket against Gerald Coetzee, were peppered with 14 fours and four sixes, bringing the team total to 245. The hit cemented Rahul’s status as India’s new Mr. Dependable.
This was KL Rahul’s seventh Test century, and possibly his most tenacious. His inning was laced with confident strokes and sheer effort, and it saved India from a precarious situation in the opening Test match of the series.
The wicket-keeper hitter demonstrated his excellent shot selection, avoiding unnecessary risks while battling it out in the most difficult conditions.
What makes Rahul’s century even more impressive is that he did not succumb to chasing balls outside off stump and kept his cool under pressure. In the face of a fierce pace attack, KL Rahul demonstrated great calm and patience. His poise in the face of consecutive defeats against Kagiso Rabada stood out.
The Indian dressing room’s overwhelming recognition of Rahul’s achievement spoke words about the importance the squad placed on this great performance.
Sachin Tendulkar’s famous century in Cape Town during the 2010 series demonstrated his ability against a powerful South African pace attack. His exquisite 146 was a blend of grace and resilience that helped India tie the three-match series.
Similarly, Mohammad Azharuddin’s remarkable century during the 1996-97 series in Cape Town demonstrated his class and finesse against a potent South African bowling attack. His graceful 115 runs were typified by immaculate strokeplay, propelling India to a dominating position in the game. Sachin Tendulkar scored 169 in the same innings, but India lost the match.
KL Rahul’s recent century shines well in this august company. His innings was not only a display of brilliance, but also a monument to his tenacity.
KL Rahul also became only the second Indian wicketkeeper batsman to hit a Test century in South Africa, following Rishabh Pant.
