KL Rahul carved his name into the record books with a magnificent unbeaten century against New Zealand on Wednesday. The Indian batter's brilliant knock of 112 not out powered the team to a competitive total of 284 for seven in the second ODI at Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium.
A Landmark Achievement
Rahul reached his eighth ODI hundred in spectacular fashion during the 49th over. He launched a full toss from Kyle Jamieson over the boundary for a massive six. The right-hander brought up his milestone in just 87 deliveries, finishing with 11 crisp fours and that decisive maximum.
This century holds special significance for multiple reasons. Rahul became the very first Indian wicketkeeper to register an ODI hundred against New Zealand. He also etched his name as the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the Rajkot venue.
Steadying the Ship
Batting at the crucial number five position, Rahul began his innings with extreme caution. He did not score off his first six deliveries, finally opening his account on the seventh ball. The situation demanded patience after India lost the experienced Virat Kohli for 23 runs.
With the team under considerable pressure, Rahul constructed a vital partnership of 73 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 27 valuable runs. After Jadeja's dismissal, Rahul continued to anchor the innings expertly alongside young Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Consistency Against New Zealand
Rahul's approach throughout this series has been particularly impressive. He has demonstrated remarkable versatility in handling different match situations - whether rebuilding after early wickets or batting through the entire innings.
His statistics against New Zealand tell their own story. Rahul now boasts an exceptional ODI average exceeding 93 against the Black Caps, highlighting his consistent performances against this opposition. His role during the middle overs proved absolutely crucial once again in Rajkot.
Series Context
Earlier in the day, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bowl first. India entered this match with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following their victory in Vadodara.
In that first ODI, Rahul played a short but impactful innings of 29 runs from just 21 balls. He sealed the chase emphatically by hitting two fours and a six in the 49th over, guiding India to a four-wicket win.
Team Changes
Both teams made one change to their playing elevens for this encounter. New Zealand brought in left-arm spin all-rounder Jayden Lennox, replacing wrist spinner Adithya Ashok.
India were forced into a change after Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury during the first ODI. The all-rounder has been ruled out of the entire series. Batter Ayush Badoni joined the squad as replacement, while Nitish Reddy took Sundar's place in the playing eleven.
The series now moves to its decisive third ODI, scheduled to be played in Indore on Sunday. India will look to clinch the series while New Zealand aim to level matters in what promises to be an exciting contest.
