KL Rahul turned Rajkot into his personal fiefdom, blasting a magnificent 112—the first ODI century by an Indian at the ground—against New Zealand in a match that India dominated from start to finish. The result? A 55-run romp and an unbeatable series lead.
Electing to bat, India lost early wickets but Rahul’s arrival changed everything. The Lucknow batter, with his silken touch, dismantled the attack. Boundaries flowed—12 fours, 3 sixes—in an innings blending caution with carnage.
Facing swing early and spin later, Rahul’s footwork was impeccable. He marshalled the innings, forging a 120-run stand with Kohli before departing to a skier. India’s 291/8 looked formidable on a pitch offering turn.
NZ’s chase was a procession of wickets. Openers fell cheaply, middle-order resisted briefly via Ravindra, but spinners Kuldeep and Axar spun a web. Siraj’s bouncers added bite, bundling NZ for 236 in 45.3 overs.
This ton, Rahul’s finest in recent times, answers doubters amid selection debates. It’s his first at this venue, adding to his legacy. Teammates mobbed him off the field; celebrations echoed India’s joy.
With the series in pocket, focus shifts to fine-tuning for global events. Rahul’s resurgence, marked by this historic feat, underscores his value. Cricket pundits predict more glory, as India rides high on home advantage.