KL Rahul crowned India’s ‘Mr Reliable’ after stunning century vs New Zealand in Rajkot

by
KL Rahul TR

Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul produced a calm yet commanding performance to rescue the hosts and guide them to a competitive 284 for 7 in their 50 overs against New Zealand in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14.

India began with promise but failed to fully capitalize. Rohit Sharma looked fluent before falling early, while Virat Kohli (23) showed intent with crisp strokes, and Shubman Gill continued his fine form with a well-paced fifty.

KL Rahul anchors India after middle-order collapse in Rajkot

However, once Rohit (24) and Gill (56) were dismissed, India’s innings lost momentum against the Black Caps in Rajkot. New Zealand’s tight bowling and a slow pitch made scoring difficult for the batter, as there was a phase where India did not score a boundary for 10 overs.

Read Also: Virat Kohli bamboozled in 2023 World Cup final style by Kristian Clarke in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI

With pressure mounting, KL Rahul stepped up when India needed him the most against the Kiwis. Rahul joined hands with Ravindra Jadeja to rescue the Men in Blue. They played with patience and control, stitching together a crucial 73-run stand for the fifth wicket that stabilized the innings.

Sadly, Michael Bracewell ended the stand by removing Jadeja for 27 runs off 44 balls, but Rahul stayed firm at the crease. From there, Rahul took full responsibility.

The right-handed batter paced his innings smartly, accelerated at the death, and ensured India finished with a strong total. His unbeaten 112 off 92 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and one six, was a perfect mix of composure and controlled aggression.

Fans hail Rahul after Rajkot heroics:

Following his rescue act, the Indian cricket fans have been hailing Rahul. While some call Rahul “Mr. Dependable” and “selfless cricketer” on social media, others praise the Karnataka batter’s temperament and composure under pressure in Rajkot.

KL Rahul’s numbers vs New Zealand are simply unreal

It was Rahul’s eighth century in ODI cricket and second against New Zealand. His third ODI ton while batting at No.5 or lower, and third as a wicketkeeper, highlighted his brilliant run of form under pressure. Rahul’s last four ODI scores read 60, 66 not out, 29 not out, and 112 not out.

Read Also: King is back! Virat Kohli ends Rohit Sharma’s reign at the top of ICC ODI Rankings

His numbers against New Zealand are even more striking. In 10 ODI innings against the Black Caps, Rahul has so far scored 469 runs at an outstanding average of 93.8 and a strike rate of 111.13, with two centuries and one fifty to his name. His unbeaten 112 in Rajkot was the highest score against the Black Caps in the format.