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India players celebrate the wicket of Devon Conway of New Zealand during the 2nd ODI match at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, India, on January 14, 2026. (CREIMAS for BCCI)
India’s KL Rahul scored a gritty century after coming in at No.5 at Rajkot on Wednesday which helped the Men in Blue post a respectable 284-7 after most of their big hitters were back in the pavilion. However, Rahul’s gutsy century was overshadowed by New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell’s own ton as he guided the Kiwis to a series-levelling win.
Former India player Mohammad Kaif heaped praises on Rahul’s performance in the match, calling him one of the most selfless players to play for the Indian team since Rahul Dravid, given his ability to play any role in the team depending on the situation demanded.
“He was told to open in Test matches which is the most difficult format and he does that. In ODIs, which is a bit easier format than Tests, he does not get to open. Here, he comes in to bat at No.5 or 6. He is fine with that too. He goes in and plays the finisher’s role there and helps is team win the match.
KL Rahul desh ki seva mein samarpit. pic.twitter.com/jA15OFabKz
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 15, 2026
“In case Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma get out early, this guy will come in at No.5 and score a century. He scored a ton in this match (2nd ODI vs NZ) and he brought that up with a 6. Plus there’s his temperament where he kept building partnerships as wickets fell. He knows how to read the game situation. He also has the ability to raise the temp in the end and get a 100. A selfless player like him plays for the country,” Kaif said in a video posted on X.
“Play him wherever you want and he’s also ready to step up in any role. Gill was injured against South Africa and Rahul captained the side. He also helped his team win matches then also. He open sin Test matches, plays down the order in ODIs, he also does captaincy when needed, he even fields in slips. Every role given to this guy, he is playing for the country. After Rahul Dravid, if there’s any other selfless player that I have seen, it’s KL Rahul,” he added.
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