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‘His greatest ever knock in whites’- Fans react to KL Rahul’s magnificent century on Day 2 of Centurion Test vs South Africa

Indian cricket fans won’t soon forget 2023, the year of KL Rahul’s remarkable resurgence. He was battered by injuries and public doubt, and his career seemed on shaky ground. The T20 World […]

Dec 27, 2023 3:38 pm

Indian cricket fans won’t soon forget 2023, the year of KL Rahul’s remarkable resurgence. He was battered by injuries and public doubt, and his career seemed on shaky ground. The T20 World Cup debacle had cost him his place in the shortest format, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s meteoric rise threatened his Test spot. His only remaining stronghold was the ODI team, which hung in the balance due to another injury.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Rahul clawed his way back just in time for the ODI World Cup. His fiery form throughout the tournament silenced his critics, as he accumulated a whopping 452 runs. Along the way, he had delivered several match-defining innings, playing a pivotal role in India’s march to the final.

After the World Cup, the ongoing Test series against South Africa was the most important assignment for India. Rahul was selected for the squad but his inclusion in the playing 11 was unlikely. His usual opening role was already filled. But as if destined for success, fate intervened. Ishan Kishan, India’s previous Test wicket-keeper, unexpectedly departed due to mental fatigue. Suddenly, a vacancy arose, perfectly tailored for Rahul’s skillset. Embracing the unexpected opportunity, Rahul seamlessly transitioned into the middle order, ready to prove his mettle as both batsman and wicket-keeper.

A hundred for the ages

Rahul was selected in the playing 11 and he came up to the expectations and the faith that the captain and coach showed in him by smashing a magnificent hundred today.

India was staring down the barrel at 24-3 and later 121-6, their top order failing to weather the storm. Rahul, unfazed by the early collapse, held firm. He weathered blows and countered with attacking strokes when the opportunity arose. It displayed a compact technique that frustrated the bowlers. His innings were a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. He mixed caution with calculated aggression, taking his time to build his innings on a difficult pitch while also punishing loose deliveries. The result was a magnificent knock of 101 runs, a score that not only revived India’s innings but also gave them a fighting total of 245.

Rahul’s century wasn’t just a display of individual brilliance; it was a lifeline for India on a day when they looked down and out. He has single-handedly given his team a chance to compete in this Test, and his performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of the series.

Here’s how fans reacted to his sublime knock:

KL Rahul was playing on 5 runs when Virat Kohli was out. After that, the innings left with the lower middle order and tail batsmen is really praiseworthy. In my view, this has been the best innings played by KL Rahul in his career.

Excellent inning KL Rahul. An standing ovation.…

— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) December 27, 2023