Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul became the first Indian batter to hit a century in 2022 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahul became the sixth batter to hit three centuries or more in the history of IPL with an unbeaten 103-run knock against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 16.
Rahul reached the three figures at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai from 55 deliveries in the penultimate over of the innings with a boundary off Tymal Mills. After reaching his century, he jumped from 22nd spot to second spot in the race of orange cap.
The 29-year-old got to his half-century from 33 deliveries in the 12th over of the innings. He accelerated in death overs and scored the next 50 runs from just 22 deliveries. Rahul carried his bat and scored 103 runs from 60 deliveries including nine fours and five sixes. His knock helped LSG post a daunting total of 199/4 against Rohit Sharma-led MI, who are yet to register their first win in the season.
The first century of IPL 2022 came off Rajasthan Royals (RR) wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler’s bat. Buttler is currently leading the orange cap race.
Rahul has not been in the best of forms this season. He started off the season with a golden duck. Later in the season, he bagged another golden duck as he got bamboozled by Rajasthan Royals’ left-arm quick Trent Boult's brilliant inswinger. Before the game against MI, he had scored 132 runs from five games including one half-century.
Rahul's previous two centuries came in 2019 and 2020 edition for Punjab Kings (PBKS). He missed his third century in the last league match of the season and remained unbeaten for 98. This is also his second century against MI. He is the only IPL captain to score centuries for different franchises.
