Followers go wild as KL Rahul lights up Rajkot with splendid hundred in 2nd ODI in opposition to New Zealand

In a high-pressure state of affairs that examined India’s center order temperament, KL Rahul produced a scintillating century whereas batting at No. 5 within the ongoing second ODI in opposition to New Zealand on the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Strolling in with India wobbling, Rahul showcased composure, class, and managed aggression to carry the hosts to a aggressive 284/7 after 50 overs. His unbeaten 112 off 92 balls stood out as a knock of accountability and authority, underlining his rising significance in India’s ODI setup.

Strong begin units the platform for India

India’s innings started on a constructive notice after New Zealand received the toss and opted to bowl. The opening pair of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma regarded fluent, including 70 runs for the primary wicket. Gill, main the facet, appeared in fantastic contact and anchored the early section with confidence. Nonetheless, as soon as the openers have been separated, the momentum dipped sharply as New Zealand’s bowlers utilized strain by way of disciplined strains and well timed breakthroughs.

The center overs proved difficult for India as wickets fell at common intervals. From a place of relative consolation, the hosts slipped to 118/4 in 23.3 overs, leaving the innings at a crossroads. With the highest order again within the pavilion, the accountability shifted squarely onto the shoulders of KL Rahul, who arrived with a transparent temporary — rebuild first, then speed up.

KL Rahul restore stability with Ravindra Jadeja

Rahul discovered a perfect accomplice in Ravindra Jadeja, and collectively the duo centered on harm management. The pair added a worthwhile 73 runs for the fifth wicket, rotating strike effectively and punishing free deliveries. Jadeja’s 27 offered essential assist earlier than his dismissal, however by then, Rahul had already set the tone for the ultimate assault.

100 sealed in fashion for Rahul

As soon as set, Rahul shifted gears seamlessly. Mixing class with energy, he focused the gaps and cleared the ropes when required. Within the remaining over of India’s innings, he introduced up his eighth ODI hundred in fashion with a towering six, a second that summed up his confidence and readability. Rahul remained unbeaten on 112, guiding India to a combating complete of 284/7.

New Zealand’s bowlers had their moments, with Kristian Clarke rising because the decide with figures of three/56, however Rahul’s knock ensured India stayed aggressive.

Additionally READ: Followers react as India’s high order crumbles, dropping 4 wickets cheaply in opposition to New Zealand in 2nd ODI at Rajkot

Right here’s how followers reacted:

💯

A KaLm and gritty century by @klrahul right here in Rajkot off simply 87 deliveries.

His eighth in ODIs 👏👏#TeamIndia #INDvNZ #2ndODI @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/DLBwZWBItx

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026

100 of the best high quality from Kl Rahul.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 14, 2026

What a 💯 beneath strain @klrahul. A fantastic knock💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/zkjikm6OEn

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 14, 2026

The cricketing world must take a pause ⏸️ and respect this gem 💎 of a cricketer who all the time stepped up and rotate his bat no matter the slot! The person who stands tall in disaster!KL Rahul 💯🙌🏏🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/uF9fPu9Cyo

— Rukshi Khan (@Rukshi_khan_) January 14, 2026

An innings of the best class @klrahul 🤌❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/1JS9gBWv4p

— Manjit (@CricManjit) January 14, 2026

In the present day, KL Rahul reminded us that he’s not made just for ending.

He’s a participant made for hundreds of years and half-centuries. He sacrificed his top-order batting place just for the workforce’s mixture. pic.twitter.com/ydD1MAv3zk

— Lordgod 🚩™ (@LordGod188) January 14, 2026

First Centurion of India of 2026I find it irresistible, What a knock 🤌❤️ @klrahul pic.twitter.com/UZWe3doro4

— Manjit (@CricManjit) January 14, 2026

12 off the ultimate over.KL Rahul edges it fantastic and finishes unbeaten — a knock constructed on management, then capped with intent.India publish 284/7 thanks largely to his composure beneath strain.pic.twitter.com/BgsCaVKJIt

— Cricket Gyani🏏💡 (@CSyncing) January 14, 2026

By no means doubt KL Rahul beneath Shubman Gill’s captaincy, India’s man of crises ! 🙇

For context :- KL Rahul beneath Gill

– 958 runs, 60 common, 4 tons of 😮‍💨#INDvNZ #KLRahul pic.twitter.com/zkXwt8BLCi

— Prateek (@prateek_295) January 14, 2026

KL Rahul was the disaster man for India, constructing a fledgling Indian innings first after which taking them to a rating the place they’ll battle; and perhaps win this recreation#IndvsNZ

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 14, 2026

Bow all the way down to KL Rahul.

One of the best factor about him is that when the pitch is the hardest, he shall be there, standing sturdy, be it in Checks or ODIs. He isn’t somebody who does stat-padding on flat pitches.

Most underrated man in our workforce. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/M8zk7aGcDP

— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) January 14, 2026

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill appreciating KL Rahul’s knock. 👏#KLRahul #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #ShubmanGill #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/EZ2tAuJ6w0

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) January 14, 2026

KL Rahul :

> Can open or bat within the center order> Can end video games beneath strain> Can captain and lead the workforce> Adapts to any batting place or function> Efficient throughout Checks, ODIs, and T20s> Wicketkeeper-batsman, including stability to the workforce> Calm, technically sound, and… pic.twitter.com/jpFPEVCb3Q

— Dev (@refocus21) January 14, 2026

KL Rahul He’s higher opener than gillHe is healthier finisher than DhoniHe is healthier wicketkeeper than pantHe is healthier captain than KohliKL RAHUL MAN OF CRISIS #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/I5x7j7df1n

— Laal kaptaan (@ajay_dhojak07) January 14, 2026

KL RAHUL HAS 64.21 AVERAGE & 99.59 STRIKE RATE AT NUMBER 5 IN ODIs 🤯 pic.twitter.com/GIi93fIXFO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 14, 2026

– 4 wickets are down for 118– runrate is beneath 5,– solely bowl all rounders left,– greater than half overs are left,– Sport regarded lengthy gone

Then KL Rahul mentioned, I’ve finished it earlier than I’ll do it once more. He single handedly rescued India’s inning at the moment❤️pic.twitter.com/tDdiHDKcEg

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 14, 2026

KL Rahul delivers a commanding unbeaten 112 off 92 balls in Rajkot. Strolling in at No.5 throughout a collapse, he took cost of the innings and lifted India to a aggressive 284 for 7 with a composed and authoritative knock. #INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/0tTEDKKpLH

— SKH (@Skh9864) January 14, 2026

KL RAHUL AT NO.5 IN ODI CRICKET:

Innings – 33.Runs – 1477.Common – 64.21.Strike charge – 99.4.A whole bunch – 3.Fifties – 10.

– Class KL Rahul has been phenomenal at No.5 for India in ODIs! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/pJbqBeSdHb

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 14, 2026

🗣 : You simply want 4 Runs to finish your Century, play fastidiously.

In the meantime Selfless KL Rahul 💀🔥pic.twitter.com/YcMr1bFOyb

— Atharv Shukla (@Atharb_) January 14, 2026

Additionally READ: Virat Kohli replaces Rohit Sharma because the No. 1 ODI batter; Travis Head makes large leap in ICC Check rankings