KL Rahul’s remarkable batting performance in the first Test deserves all the accolades it can garner. Facing challenging conditions and a formidable South African bowling attack, Rahul’s innings showcased resilience, skill, and a commendable ability to build partnerships with the tail-enders.

India’s innings began on a shaky note, losing three early wickets with only 24 runs on the board. However, the partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli offered a glimmer of hope. In his innings, Iyer scored 31 runs, while Kohli scored 38 runs.

However, the situation took a turn when Kagiso Rabada, with his fiery pace, dismissed both Kohli and Iyer in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 121/6. Enter KL Rahul. The wicketkeeper-batsman not only stemmed the collapse but orchestrated an impressive recovery. His innings of 101 runs, characterised by a blend of aggression and composure, turned the tide in India’s favour.

What followed was a masterful display of partnerships with the tail-enders, transforming what could have been a subpar total into a solid first-inning score of 245. Rahul’s partnerships with Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj were instrumental in India’s resurgence. The 43-run stand with Shardul, 27 runs with Bumrah, and a crucial 47-run partnership with Siraj showcased Rahul’s ability to not only anchor the innings but also to guide and inspire the lower-order batsmen to contribute effectively.

KL Rahul becomes highest run-scorer in Centurion 

The statistics alone tell a story of Rahul’s dominance at the crease—a century at a strike rate of 73.72. His innings were studded with 14 boundaries and two maximums, reflecting his ability to find the gaps and punish loose deliveries.

Rahul’s knock not only bailed India out of a precarious situation but also put them in a position of strength in the first Test against South Africa. With this score on board, India has a great chance to take advantage of the game. It’s worth noting that with this century, Rahul became the first visiting batter to score two centuries in Centurion.

Here is how fans react to KL Rahul’s batting performance:

Back-to-back Test hundred for KL Rahul in 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐍 💯👉💯👌👌👌👍

— Abhay Upadhyay (@AbhayOse) December 27, 2023

A knock to remember for a long time. Take a bow, Klass Rahul. Brilliant century in pressure situation in Sena condition 🔥🔥🔥🔥

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) December 27, 2023

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

Test hundred at the Centurion on 26th December 2021.

– Test hundred at the Centurion on 27th December 2023.

KL Rahul loves Centurion…!!!👍🏻

— Babar badshah👑🇵🇰 (@MeharTaha104) December 27, 2023

The savior of Indian Cricket Team. Smashing sixes to Rabada when only 2 wickets are remaining. His intent from the start of innings was to score runs freely. Was criticised for the innings he played in WC final but today he showed his class

— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) December 27, 2023

A decade ago we used to say these things about RAHUL Dravid.

Now it’s KL RAHUL…

— VJ (@VJsGamer) December 27, 2023

The fact that he got his 100 by hitting 2 sixes in a test game shows his quality.

Great carry job by KL

— TMS 🇮🇳 (@TMS205) December 27, 2023

He has done traffic job for India

— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariIND) December 27, 2023

Yahi innings aaj se 1 mah pehle aai hoti sayad aaj koi mlal nahi hota 🥰🥰🥰🥰

— Adv Rajat prajapati 🧑‍🎓🧑‍✈️ (@rajat9565) December 27, 2023