The Indian opener, KL Rahul on Sunday revealed that he was itching to go for the big shot against the spinner when he was batting on 99 but controlled his emotions and curbed his attacking instincts to reach his 7th century on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. Rahul entered the 90s with a six-off spinner Keshav Maharaj and hit the same bowler for a four to get to his second Test century in 2021  this year and first against the Proteas.

KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 122 along with Ajinkya Rahane on 40 as India reached 272 for 3 at stumps to take the upper hand on the first day. Deputy skipper, Rahul, who averaged 7.50 in four innings with a top score of 16 in South Africa three years ago, opened up on his sixth century outside India after the day’s play.

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In a video shared on BCCI.tv, KL Rahul was heard saying, “It’s truly special. Every hundred takes something out of you and gives you a lot of joy. There are so many emotions you have to go through when you have to score a hundred. You have to play and fight for 6-7 hours and those are the kind of innings that really stand out and its something that as players we really cherish.

He further added,” I’m really happy that I could stay there not out, this is what is expected out of me. Once me and Mayank got off to a good start, I just kept enjoying my batting and we didn’t think too far ahead.”

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After winning the toss, surprisingly, the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first despite the pitch was looking damp. The Indian openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal didn’t disappoint as well, as they made a brilliant opening partnership of 117 runs.