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India's veteran batter KL Rahul delivered a masterclass in middle-order batting during the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14. Rahul acted as India’s crisis man after the top order collapsed, leaving the team reeling at 118 for 4 following the quick dismissals of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli. Rahul anchored the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 112 off 92 balls, a knock decorated with 11 boundaries and a towering six.
KL Rahul's centuries powers India to strong total
His innings was a lesson in tactical building, as he initially focused on stabilising the team alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The pair put on a crucial 73-run partnership before Jadeja's departure. Rahul then shifted gears, finding a reliable partner in Nitish Kumar Reddy. Together, they added 57 runs off just 49 balls, a stand that effectively propelled India toward a competitive total and ensured the early collapse didn't define the match.
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During the mid-innings broadcast, Sunil Gavaskar provided a nuanced and candid analysis of KL Rahul’s performance, blending genuine praise with a sharp assessment of his career trajectory. Gavaskar addressed the persistent critiques that have followed the batter, framing them not as simple dismissals, but as a byproduct of the immense expectations placed upon a player of Rahul's caliber. Gavaskar termed Rahul as an 'underachiever'.
With all the talent he’s had, he’s probably been an underachiever: Gavaskar
However, the core of Gavaskar's observation focused on Rahul's evident growth and newfound maturity. He suggested that the batter is entering a more settled mental phase, characterized by a visible shift in how he manages his innings. According to Gavaskar, this clarity is allowing Rahul to find a perfect balance between aggressive expression and technical control, signaling a confident new chapter in his international career.
“Look, I’ve always thought that maybe, and I could be wrong, with all the talent that he’s had, he’s probably been a little bit of an underachiever,” Gavaskar said.
As the innings drew to a close, Rahul expertly managed the strike, particularly after the quick exits of Nitish and Harshit Rana. He reached his landmark hundred in style, hitting a six off the final ball of the 49th over. Upon reaching the century, he performed a touching celebration dedicated to his daughter, Evaarah, removing his helmet and left glove to signal a special message to his family. This performance was particularly historic as it marked the first-ever ODI century scored by an Indian batter at the Rajkot venue.
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This was his third ODI hundred at the No. 5 spot, where he now boasts an incredible average of 64.21 and a strike rate of nearly 100. With 1,477 runs from 33 matches in this position, Rahul continues to cement his reputation as one of the world's most effective middle-order anchors and finishers.
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