Sports

SA vs IND: Harbhajan Singh leads praise for ‘top class’ KL Rahul after century in Centurion

December 26, 2021
Bharat Times

SA vs IND: KL Rahul became only the second Indian opener to score a century in South Africa as he finished Day 1 of the first Test with 122 runs off 248 balls. It was his seventh Test century and sixth century he scored away from home.

Rahul scored his seventh century. (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Rahul put up a 117-run stand with Mayank Agarwal
  • Wasim Jaffer was the first Indian opener to score a century in the country
  • Rahul is vice-captain of the team for the series

KL Rahul became the second Indian opener to score a century in South Africa as he dominated the proceedings on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. Rahul ended the day with 122 runs off 248 balls, thus making it the highest score by an Indian opener in the country with Wasim Jaffer scoring 116 in Cape Town in 2007.

Rahul anchored a dominant display from the Indian batters as the visitors finished the day with a score of 272/3. Harbhajan Singh, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, was among several former players who lauded the 29-year-old’s efforts.

“Well played @klrahul11 Top class,” said the former spinner in his tweet.

Aakash Chopra, a former India opener himself, noted that Rahul has scored a Test century in every country he has played in now. “India’s most versatile batter—K L Rahul. Seven Test centuries. Has scored Test century in every country that he’s played in. Top top player,” said Chopra.

“Scoring overseas ton is not new for #KLRahul but I am sure this one will count among very special because of the context of the series and conditions. #CricketTwitter #INDvsSA #INDvSA,” former wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel said.

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop also congratulated Rahul. “As a colleague of mine would say: “Always a pleasure, never a chore” watching a K L Rahul century. #Secure,” said Bishop.

Former India fast bowlers RP Singh and Irfan Pathan also hailed Rahul.

Rahul also put up a partnership of 82 runs with captain Virat Kohli. He had Ajinkya Rahane at the other end when he crossed over into three figures and their partnership was on 73 at Stumps.

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