Sunil Gavaskar’s admiration for KL Rahul’s century in the Centurion Test against South Africa is hard to overstate. Gavaskar went so far as to rank Rahul’s hundred among the top 10 best centuries in the history of Indian Test cricket, offering a glowing tribute to the remarkable achievement.
KL Rahul faced numerous obstacles in Centurion: India lost the toss, the pitch had a green tinge, and overcast conditions prevailed throughout the first day, especially in the initial session. Adding to the challenge was a formidable four-man South African fast-bowling attack led by the formidable Kagiso Rabada.
Despite these challenges, Rahul, who has now accumulated six Test centuries outside of Asia, navigated through every difficulty. He seized the opportunities presented by the loose deliveries from the South African pacers. It’s worth noting that this match marked Rahul’s debut as a designated wicket-keeper in Test cricket, and he found himself in a middle-order batting role after excelling as an opener for the past six years in Test matches.
Taking India from 121/6 to 245, Rahul scored 101 runs in 137 balls, plundering 14 stylish fours and 4 daunting sixes in his superb, almost chanceless innings.
Sunil Gavaskar, in the commentary box, watched closely as KL Rahul crafted a remarkable century. The 74-year-old, who has shared insights on some of the finest centuries by Indian batters in Test cricket over the years, places Rahul’s innings among the top 10 best Test centuries played by an Indian batsman.
Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports: “I have been watching cricket since 50 years, I can surely say this hundred by Rahul is in the Top 10 in the Indian history of Tests.”
KL Rahul has become the second Asian wicket-keeper, following Rishabh Pant’s feat in Cape Town in 2022, to achieve a Test century in South Africa.
KL Rahul has notched up six Test centuries beyond the Asian continent, constituting the majority of his eight Test tons. He adeptly navigated through various challenges, seizing opportunities presented by the South African pacers when loose balls came his way. It’s worth noting that this marked his inaugural stint as a designated wicket-keeper in Test cricket. Additionally, he assumed a middle-order batting role, showcasing his adaptability after having performed commendably as an opener for the past six years in Test matches.
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