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KL Rahul of India during the 2nd ODI match between India and New Zealand at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, India, on January 14, 2026. (CREIMAS for BCCI)
IN a video posted by the BCCI after the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara where he took the team over the finish line, KL Rahul was seen talking to a group of youngsters at the ground in a philosophical tone.
“No one can stay at the top forever. There will be anger and frustration, but try to snap out of it and do what is in your control, and leave the rest to God. Whenever God gives you a chance, use it wisely,” Rahul was heard saying.
He put his own words into action on Wednesday. When given a chance to play a significant innings after the top order departed relatively cheaply, Rahul took the opportunity with both hands, hitting a classy ton (112 not out off 92 balls, 11x4s, 1×6) to take India to a fighting total of 284/7.
A magnificent strike to get to the three figure mark, @klrahul was an absolute delight to watch 🫡🫡#TeamIndia #INDvNZ #2ndODI @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/S5ECgG49XQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026
Rahul has been part of the Indian team for well over a decade now, but has not been able to leave the question marks fully behind. His career hasn’t soared as high as he would have liked.
But on the day Rajkot celebrated the kite-flying festival Uttarayan, somewhere outside the city, Rahul ensured his kite flew highest on India’s scorecard. The wicketkeeper-batter played probably the ODI innings of his career, given the circumstances, and exuded the calm that sets him apart as a special player. His 8th hundred in the format ensured that Indian bowlers had a decent score to defend.
Nobody doubts Rahul’s ability but he’s not often seen as one of the leading lights of the team. Once looked at as a future leader, he somehow missed the bus. But the selectors and team management had faith in him for a role in the middle order, as someone who can be a steadying influence and can accelerate when required.
KL Rahul of India raises his bat after scoring a hundred during the 2nd ODI match between India and New Zealand at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, India, on January 14, 2026.
On Wednesday, Rahul bailed India out, after they were reduced to 118 for 4 at one stage with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer back in the pavilion. The pitch posed an unexpected challenge as the ball was stopping before coming on to the bat. It demanded patience and a focused approach.
Rahul, in the company of local boy and veteran Ravindra Jadeja, then seemed to have decided to play till the end. They cut down all risk and relied mostly on singles, capitalising on any loose stuff when it came along.
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Rahul and Jadeja added 73 for the fifth wicket before the latter gave a low return catch to Michael Bracewell. The partnership had taken India some way to a total that they could play with.
Thereafter, Rahul began navigating through proceedings with the lower half left for company. He didn’t rush even after crossing 50, but waited for the death overs to accelerate, reaching his hundred with a six over long-on off Kyle Jamieson off the last ball of the 49th over. Rahul decided to take most of the strike in the final couple of overs, and managed two boundaries off Zak Foulkes to close out the Indian innings.
On reaching three figures, he made a whistling gesture, and thanked the Almighty for the opportunity he used wisely. There are not many days in his life that Rahul has walked back with his collar and bat high, but Wednesday was one such instance.
Brief scores: India 284/7 in 50 overs (Rahul 112 not out, Gill 56; Kristian Clarke 3/56) vs New Zealand
Having spent years covering Mumbai’s local "maidan" cricket circuit, Devendra Pandey brings a unique ground-level perspective to his reporting. ... Read More
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