KL Rahul’s sublime century in the second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot was a masterclass in composure, timing, and game awareness. On a surface that demanded patience and adaptability, the Indian batter delivered one of his finest ODI knocks, rescuing India from a precarious position and guiding them to a competitive total.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary during the match, was full of praise for Rahul’s approach, calling it a display of maturity and class under pressure. Shastri highlighted how challenging the conditions were when Rahul walked in to bat. India had just lost Virat Kohli, slipping to 118 for four, with the pitch slowing down and the ball growing softer.
With two relatively new batters at the crease and runs hard to come by, Rahul initially chose caution over flair. According to Shastri, that measured start laid the foundation for what followed—a fluent and authoritative innings that culminated in Rahul’s eighth ODI century.
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“When he came in, it wasn’t easy at all,” Ravi Shastri said on BCCI.tv. “The pitch had slowed, the ball was older, and both he and Jadeja were on zero when that partnership started. But once he got to 30 or 40, you could see the fluency return. He opened up, played some terrific shots, and showed remarkable temperament. That calmness and ability to read conditions is pure maturity.”
Batting at No. 5, Rahul showcased why he has become such a vital cog in India’s middle order. He stitched crucial partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja and later Nitish Kumar Reddy, ensuring stability while also keeping the scoreboard moving. Rahul remained unbeaten on 112 off just 92 deliveries, shouldering the bulk of the scoring as India posted 284 for seven in their 50 overs.
Shastri also pointed out how significant Rahul’s contribution was in the overall context of the innings. From 118 for four to 284, India added 165 runs while Rahul was at the crease, with the Karnataka batter scoring 112 of those himself. “At number five, it’s never easy to come in and get a hundred, especially when wickets are falling. The stability he provides to the middle order is extremely important,” Shastri added.
Despite Rahul’s heroic effort, India were unable to defend the total. New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell produced another commanding century, finishing unbeaten and steering the visitors to a seven-wicket victory. Will Young played the perfect supporting role, ensuring the chase stayed on track as New Zealand levelled the three-match ODI series.
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With the series now tied, all eyes turn to the decider on Sunday, January 18, at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. As India looks to bounce back before shifting focus to the upcoming five-match T20I series, Rahul’s form will remain a major positive—and possibly the key—to their success.
