“With tough conditions and tough challenges comes out great characters” and Indian wicket keeper batter KL Rahul is making this statement his own owing to the magnificent hundred at the Boxing Day test in South Africa at Centurion.

The most exciting Boxing day test match between India and South Africa which began on 26th Dec 2023 turned out to be bitter sweet experience for the Indian spectators round the globe as India beginning their conquest for the Final Frontier in the rainbow nation on a tottering Day 1 of game display.

The Indian team were put in to bat after the hosts won the toss. In very helpful conditions, the Indian top-order gave way, with the visitors tottering at 24/3 at one stage. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer fought back and took the score to 92, before Iyer was dismissed. Things looked bleak at 121/6, but KL Rahul’s fighting 70 not out saw India to 208/8 at the end of day’s play.

After scoring a brilliant 123 as opener in the previous test series in the rainbow nation at Centurion, KL Rahul now batting at No 6 as a wicketkeeper batter showed his class and temperament to guide middle lower order comprising of a vital 40 runs partnership with Shardul Thakur  and the Indian bowlers to end India’s day at respectable 208 for 8 after a dreadful collapse.

On Day 2 when the batting resumed for the Indian conditions  within few overs KL Rahul alongside Mohammad Siraj stitched another  47 runs partnership with Rahul taking the aggressive route  right from the start along with street smartness to complete his 2nd century at Centurion in as many matches clobbing Gerald Coetzee for a massive six propelling India’s total to respectable 245 on the surface where other batters faltered to score runs.

Post his return from injury in the Asia cup , Rahul never looked back and took up the dual responsibility of wicketkeeper batter to bat at No 5 in white ball as well as red ball format. His dedication and skills impressed all as he scored 111 on his return post injury against Pakistan in Asia cup, had a decent World cup with handy innings in backend , a fiery century vs Netherlands only to be attacked for his slow innings in the finals.

His century 101 runs of 137 balls  which comprised of 14 fours and 4 sixes at a healthy strike rate of 73.72 has heaped massive praise from Indian cricketing Legend Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar who himself in his playing days have scored 5 test centuries in the tough conditions in South Africa.

“What impressed me was his clarity of thought” – Cricketing Legend Sachin Tendulkar lauds KL Rahul’s magnificent 101-run knock

Master Blaster and legendary Indian cricket Icon Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored five Test tons in South Africa, lauded KL Rahul for his century against the Proteas in the opening Test in Centurion on Wednesday, December 27.

The legendary cricketer was impressed with Rahul’s shot selection throughout his illustrious knock. The 50-year-old pointed out the significance of the knock as India posted 245 in their first innings. Rahul, who smashed his second Test ton in Centurion and seventh away from home, was the last batter to be dismissed.

Tendulkar shared a picture of Rahul and wrote on his Instagram story:

“Well played KL Rahul. What impressed me was his clarity of thought. His footwork looked precise and assured, and that happens when a batter is thinking right. This century is crucial in the contest of this Test. India would be happy with 245 considering where they were at one stage yesterday.”

“Good addition to the South Africa bowling” – Sachin Tendulkar lauds Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee

Apart to the likes of KL Rahul, Sachin Tendulkar seemed mighty impressed with South African quicks Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee.

The former India captain, however, felt that the Proteas could’ve restricted India to a lower score. On this, he wrote:

“Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee look like a good addition to the South Africa bowling line-up. I feel South Africa won’t be too happy with their bowling performance considering the conditions.”

Nandre Burger scalped three wickets, all prized scalps of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Meanwhile, Coetzee dismissed Mohammed Siraj to settle for a solitary wicket. However, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the Proteas bowlers, returning with a fifer.