Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul scripted a outstanding Test comeback by notching up a sensational century towards South Africa within the difficult circumstances at Centurion on Wednesday. Irfan Pathan, the previous Indian cricketer, lauded Rahul as ‘Sankatmochan,’ signifying his rescue act for the Indian group amid a precarious scenario. Entering the crease at 92/4, KL Rahul showcased resilience and dedication, forming essential partnerships with the decrease middle-order and lower-order batters. His aggressive innings of 101 runs off 137 balls, that includes 14 fours and 4 sixes, marked a triumphant return for the batter who has been grappling with inconsistent Test type.
SANKATMOCHAN @klrahul _ _ pic.twitter.com/ApxymmCJav
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 27, 2023
Well performed @klrahul. What impressed me was his readability of thought. His footwork regarded exact and warranted, and that occurs when a batter is pondering proper. This century is essential within the context of this Test. India could be pleased with 245 contemplating the place they had been at one_ pic.twitter.com/Dtw9HpjAIC
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 27, 2023
KL RAHUL, THE MAN ON A MISSION.
– He has performed one of many biggest hundred ever in Indian Test historical past. _pic.twitter.com/YtWYxV6W0D
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 27, 2023
Let your bat do the speaking _@klrahul_ ___ _ #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/SYELwF8pGM
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 27, 2023
A six to carry up his best Test century.
– KL Rahul has written historical past in Centurion!pic.twitter.com/MInHXHXyzJ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2023
HUNDRED BY KL RAHUL….!!!
A knock which might be remembered by historical past for a very long time – a century in South Africa when the group was beneath stress. This is the KL 2.0 and he is unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/R7cYVSSt0L
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2023
ODI comeback – HUNDRED
Test comeback – HUNDREDOnly KL Rahul! ___ pic.twitter.com/C1AWDmxLf0
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 27, 2023
Indian batting coach stated “Every time there is a tough situation, KL Rahul is the guy who handles it well for us”. pic.twitter.com/9fQLqdDRDk
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 27, 2023
Centurion’s Favorite Visitor
KL Rahul now holds the excellence of being the primary visiting batter to attain a number of centuries at Centurion, including to his earlier ton of 123 in 2021. This achievement places him within the esteemed firm of Azhar Mahmood, Thilan Samaraweera, and Virat Kohli, as Asian batters with not less than two centuries in South Africa.
Boxing Day Heroics
The Boxing Day Test appears to have a particular place in KL Rahul’s coronary heart. Making his Test debut on the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he had a modest begin. However, within the 2021 Boxing Day Test at Centurion, he performed a pivotal function in India’s victory with scores of 123 and 23. Now, in his third Boxing Day Test, he marked his Test comeback with a powerful century in difficult circumstances.
KL’s International Comeback Saga
KL Rahul’s journey has been one among redemption. After efficiently making a comeback in ODIs, contributing considerably to India’s Asia Cup triumph and their run to the ICC Cricket World Cup ultimate, he has now made a powerful return to Test cricket.
Match Highlights
Despite the early struggles, India managed to put up a aggressive whole of 245, due to partnerships involving Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, and KL Rahul. The Proteas bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Marco Jansen, posed a problem, however KL’s century steered India to a good rating.
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz
As information of KL Rahul’s century unfold, social media platforms erupted with fan reactions. Supporters hailed his grit, ability, and resilience, expressing pleasure at witnessing his stellar efficiency. The hashtag #KLReturns trended as followers flooded timelines with congratulatory messages and celebratory memes.