KL Rahul experienced déjà vu as he achieved another Boxing Day Test century against South Africa on Wednesday (December 27) at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Rahul had struck a century as an opener at the same venue a few years back, and the one on Wednesday is undoubtedly his finest in Tests for India.
KL Rahul, who was selected as a wicketkeeper this time, stepped out to bat with the visitors behind by 92/4. He went on to not just withstand the early pressure, but also go after the bowlers anytime there was a run-scoring opportunity.
Followers along with numerous current and past cricket players utilized social media to hail KL Rahul for his remarkable return to Test cricket. Below are some responses:
Gutsy knock in challenging conditions. The discipline and shot selection absolutely spot on ????????Really liked how late he played and when he played his shots there were no half measures. Well played @klrahul ???????? #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/9JXu1J2Bie
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 27, 2023
KL Rahul’s valuable runs boost India’s overnight score in 1st Test
KL Rahul continued where he left off on Day 1 by adding 37 more runs to India’s first-innings total. Mohammed Siraj hung out with him for a while, but it was Rahul who did the majority of the scoring.
The fact that there were no half-measures if Rahul wanted to push hard in pursuit of boundaries and sixes was a distinguishing feature of the amazing hundred. A six over midwicket helped him reach his seventh Test century, prompting a well-deserved loud wave of ovation from both the audience and the Indian dressing room.
Nandre Burger’s nip-backer ended Rahul’s amazing innings of 101(137) as the visitors piled 245 runs on the board in their first innings. South Africa has lost Aiden Markram early as a result of an absolute peach from Mohammed Siraj.
Tony de Zorzi and Dean Elgar, on the other hand, have formed a good little alliance as the hosts enter the lunch break on Day 2 at 49/1.