KL Rahul was on top form as he registered his seventh Test century on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test match between India and South Africa in Centurion, on Sunday. The reckless batter hit a four in the fifth pitch of the 78th to reach his century. Rahul received a raised delivery from Keshav Maharaj and sent it between point and short extra cover to reach his hundred. The ICC praised Rahul’s knock, calling it “simply sensational”. The ICC wrote: “Simply sensational from KL Rahul as he brings up his seventh Test century. What a knock from the opener!”
Simply sensational of KL Rahul as he brings up his seventh Test century
What a knock from the opener!
Watch #SAvIND live at https://t.co/CPDKNx77KV (in select regions) #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/ybV0KDHiVi
— ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2021
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) also applauded his “wonderful” effort. “A Boxing Day worthy of every applause KL Rahul, you have been absolutely fantastic,” wrote the IPL franchise.
A Boxing Day worthy of every applause
KL Rahul you have been absolutely fantastic #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/zkRQDMOw8z
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 26, 2021
Here are the other responses:
He’s been so good in all formats @kllahul11 brilliant 100 in difficult condition! #INDvsSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2021
Welcome to the exclusive club of Indian openers with a Test hundred in SA @kllahul11 played very well #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Fjz2RRA4aA
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 26, 2021
Respect the terms, play late, step forward, weight transfer, punt balls, drives… kl Rahul holds online batting class please watch… what a fantastic knock @kllahul11 #INDvsSA
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 26, 2021
Name Rahul aur kaam bhi Rahul Wala! Well done @kllahul11 for another ton overseas. #KLRahul #INDvSA #INDvsSA
— RP Singh (@rpsingh) December 26, 2021
Brilliant from Rahul. A century in South Africa is special. Another step towards becoming the player we all knew he could be.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 26, 2021
India captain Virat Kohli initially won the toss and opted to bat. Openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal gave the visitors a strong start, with the latter also crushing a half-century.
Mayank played a 60-run knockout off 123 balls before being fired by Lungi Ndidi. Despite Cheteshwar Pujara leaving for a duck with one ball and Kohli losing his wicket on a 35-run battle, Rahul will aim to finish Day 1 strong with Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane is also currently undefeated and hopes to tackle half a century.
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