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KL Rahul’s Reliable Century in Rajkot Wins Over Fans and Rescues India
By CricShots - Jan 14, 2026 6:28 pm
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Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul delivered a composed yet authoritative innings to steady India and propel them to a competitive 284 for 7 against New Zealand in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14. India’s innings began on a promising note but lacked sustained momentum. Rohit Sharma looked fluent during his brief stay before falling for 24, while Virat Kohli showed intent with crisp strokeplay but was dismissed for 23.

KL Rahul
KL Rahul played another dependable knock

Captain Shubman Gill continued his impressive run in ODIs, anchoring the top order with a well-compiled half-century. However, once Gill (56) departed following Rohit’s dismissal, India slipped into a difficult phase. New Zealand tightened the screws with disciplined bowling on a sluggish surface, making run-scoring increasingly challenging.

The pressure was evident as India went through a prolonged spell of nearly 10 overs without a boundary, allowing the Black Caps to claw their way back into the contest. With wickets falling and the scoring rate dipping, KL Rahul rose to the occasion. Walking in at a critical juncture, Rahul combined with Ravindra Jadeja to rebuild the innings.

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The pair showed maturity and game awareness, rotating strike effectively and waiting for loose deliveries. Their 73-run stand for the fifth wicket proved vital in restoring stability and preventing a collapse.

The partnership ended when Michael Bracewell dismissed Jadeja for 27, but Rahul remained unfazed. From that point on, he took complete control of the innings. Timing his acceleration to perfection, Rahul shifted gears in the final overs, punishing anything short or wide and ensuring India finished with a defendable total.

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Rahul’s unbeaten 112 off 92 deliveries, featuring 11 boundaries and a six, was a masterclass in situational batting. Unsurprisingly, social media was abuzz after the innings, with fans hailing him as “Mr. Dependable” and praising his calm temperament, selflessness, and ability to deliver under pressure when the team needed him most.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags Fans ReactionIndia vs. New ZealandIndian cricket teamKL RahulRajkot ODIReliable Performersecond ODI