KL Rahul was once more the hero for India within the second ODI in opposition to New Zealand on January 14 in Rajkot. KL Rahul, who was batting at his favourite No. 5 spot, got here on as an alternative when the Males in Blue discovered themselves in dire straits at 118 for 4 after fast wickets of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli.
KL Rahul makes eighth ODI ton to avoid wasting India in 2nd ODI in opposition to New Zealand
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman first stabilized the innings with a 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. After Jadeja’s dismissal, he was joined by Nitish Kumar Reddy and added one other vital 57 runs off 49 balls.
At the same time as Nitish and Harshit Rana went down in fast succession, Rahul saved India shifting ahead by taking strikes and maintaining the tempo of the innings sensible. He reached his century with a six off the final ball of the forty ninth over and led India to a complete of 284/7 in 50 overs in opposition to New Zealand.
Your every day cricket consumption!
Additionally Learn: Virat Kohli given inexperienced mild to play in 2031 World Cup, however with one non-negotiable situation
His astonishing knock of 112* got here with 11 boundaries and 6 boundaries within the second ODI in opposition to the Black Caps in Rajkot. This was Rahul’s eighth ODI hundred for India and third as a wicketkeeper.
Rahul’s signature whistle celebration turns into a sizzling matter in Rajkot
Rahul, however, celebrated the thong in a particular approach for his daughter, eradicating his helmet and left glove earlier than celebrating by taking part in his signature whistle.
The star batter put three fingers to his mouth as he raised his bat. He thanked the group earlier than resuming play.
𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 😌
Recalling his 8️⃣th ODI century, KL Rahul stated: #TeamIndia We’re in a powerful place 💪#INDvNZ | 2nd ODI | Dwell now 👉 https://t.co/mJ3SChcj3i pic.twitter.com/1zfq06ydH6
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) January 14, 2026
This isn’t the primary time that the Karnataka batsmen have pulled off this distinctive celebration, it was additionally completed in final yr’s Ahmedabad Take a look at in opposition to West Indies. Notably, Rahul and his spouse Athiya Shetty have a daughter named Evaraa who was born in March 2025.
Gautam Gambhir praises Rahul’s stylish century
Furthermore, Rahul’s spectacular hundred earned him particular recognition from India head coach Gautam Gambhir and the clip went viral on-line.
On his approach again to India’s dressing room with Mohammed Siraj, Gambhir greeted Rahul with a heat smile, congratulated him and patted him on the again for the sensible innings that saved India from collapse.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul shares motivational recommendation for younger cricketers
Lately, KL Rahul interacted with younger cricketers and shared his experiences and recommendation in an Instagram video. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman answered questions from aspiring gamers. When requested what to do when alternatives are scarce, Rahul suggested to be affected person, work arduous and at all times be prepared for alternatives.
Additionally Learn: KL Rahul topped India’s ‘Mr Dependable’ after gorgeous century in New Zealand vs. New Zealand match at Rajkot
Rahul stated in a video shared on the Indian cricket crew’s Instagram account: “Whether or not it is a home, worldwide or native match, a chance to showcase your expertise will at all times come. Simply work arduous, be prepared when the chance comes and seize it with each palms. As cricketers, that is the one factor we are able to do.”
The appropriate-hander added: “It is a tough part for everybody when you aren’t getting a chance, however everybody has to undergo that part. Nobody can keep on the high perpetually. There can be anger and frustration, however attempt to get out of it, do what you may management and go away the remaining to God. When God offers you a chance, use it correctly.”
