KL Rahul turned hero for India as soon as once more within the second ODI towards New Zealand at Rajkot on January 14. Batting at his favourite No. 5 spot, KL Rahul got here in when the Males in Blue have been in huge bother at 118 for 4, after fast wickets of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli.
KL Rahul crafts eighth ODI ton to rescue India in second ODI towards New Zealand
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter first stabilized the innings with a 73-run partnership alongside Ravindra Jadeja. After Jadeja’s dismissal, he joined Nitish Kumar Reddy and added one other essential 57 runs off 49 balls.
Whilst Nitish and Harshit Rana fell in fast succession, Rahul stored India going, farming the strike and pacing the innings well. He reached his century with a six off the ultimate ball of the forty ninth over, taking India to a robust whole of 284 for 7 in 50 overs towards New Zealand.
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His unimaginable 112* knock featured 11 boundaries and a six within the ongoing second ODI towards the Black Caps in Rajkot. It was Rahul’s eighth ODI hundred for India and third as wicketkeeper.
Rahul’s signature whistle celebration in Rajkot goes viral
In the meantime, Rahul celebrated the ton in a particular manner for his daughter, eradicating his helmet and left-hand glove earlier than pulling off his signature whistle celebration.
The star batter put his three fingers on his mouth whereas elevating the bat. He acknowledged the gang earlier than resuming the play.
𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 😌
KL Rahul brings up his 8️⃣th ODI century to place #TeamIndia in a robust place 💪#INDvNZ | 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/mJ3SChcj3i pic.twitter.com/1zfq06ydH6
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) January 14, 2026
This was not the primary time when the Karnataka batter has pulled off this distinctive celebration, as he did the identical through the Ahmedabad Take a look at final 12 months towards the West Indies. Notably, Rahul and his spouse, Athiya Shetty, have a daughter named Evaarah, who was born in March 2025.
Gautam Gambhir applauds Rahul’s stylish century
Moreover, Rahul’s gorgeous hundred earned Rahul particular appreciation from Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the clip went viral on-line.
As he, alongside Mohammed Siraj, headed again to the Indian dressing room, Gambhir greeted Rahul with a heat smile, congratulating him and patting him on the again for the sensible innings that rescued India from a collapse.
pic.twitter.com/BaBIVrAw4U
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul shares motivational recommendation with younger cricketers
Just lately, KL Rahul interacted with younger cricketers, sharing his expertise and recommendation in an Instagram video. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter answered questions from aspiring gamers. When requested what to do when alternatives are few, Rahul urged them to remain affected person, work onerous, and all the time be prepared for his or her likelihood.
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Rahul stated within the video shared on Indian cricket staff account on Instagram, “You’ll undoubtedly get an opportunity to indicate your expertise, whether or not it’s in a home, worldwide, or native event. You simply should work onerous and be prepared when your alternative comes, and seize it with each your fingers. As cricketers, it’s the one factor we are able to do.”
The best-hander added, “It’s a troublesome part for everybody when we don’t get an opportunity, however everybody has to undergo that part. Nobody can keep on the high eternally. There will likely be anger and frustration, however attempt to snap out of it and do what’s in your management, and go away the remainder to God. Each time God provides you an opportunity, use it correctly.”
