It was a day to remember for Indian cricket fans as KL Rahul etched his name in the history books with a stunning century against South Africa in the 1st Test match at Centurion. Amid accolades from cricket enthusiasts and experts, actor Athiya Shetty, Rahul’s spouse, joined in the chorus of praise, sharing an endearing message on her Instagram stories. Athiya posted an image of KL Rahul accompanied by the caption “Strength to Strength,” embellished with a red heart emoticon, celebrating her husband’s cricketing prowess.
Rahul’s innings was marked with precision and grace, scoring 101 runs off 137 balls, equipped with a glazing repertoire of 14 elegantly carved fours and four towering sixes. His scoring rate, with a strike rate surpassing 75, laid the cornerstone for India’s batting on a challenging pitch. This extraordinary feat set a new record at Centurion, making KL Rahul the first visiting batsman to score multiple centuries at this daunting venue, his previous ton being a 123-run knock back in 2021.
By achieving this remarkable milestone, Rahul joined a prestigious league of Asian batsmen – Azhar Mahmood from Pakistan, Thilan Samaraweera from Sri Lanka, and India’s own Virat Kohli, who have all scored at least two Test centuries on South African soil. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar leads this elite list with five centuries.
Reflecting on KL Rahul’s contribution in South Africa, across six Tests, he has managed to accumulate 357 runs at a commendable average of 32.45, which includes two centuries and a half-century in 11 innings. His consistency and resilience in overseas conditions have been a testament to his skill and temperament as an opener.
During this encounter, India, initially put into bat, found themselves in a precarious situation of 24/3, as South African pacers exploited the surface adeptly. However, the Indian batting lineup showcased its depth, with partnerships forging a path to recovery. A valuable 68-run stand between former captain Virat Kohli, who scored a tough 38 off 64 balls inclusive of five boundaries, and Shreyas Iyer, contributing a brisk 31 off 50 deliveries, steadied the innings.
The day concluded with India’s scorecard reading 208/8, with another notable performance by Shardul Thakur who made a quickfire 24 off 33 balls. KL Rahul’s perseverance shone through as he ended the day unbeaten with 70 runs off 105 balls, striking ten fours and two sixes. On day two, Rahul continued his stellar form to reach the coveted three-figure mark, guiding India to a total of 245 runs before they were bowled out.
South Africa’s pace battery, led by Kagiso Rabada with figures of 5/44, posed a significant threat throughout the match. Complementing Rabada’s impressive spell were Nandre Burger and Marco Jansen, claiming three and one wickets respectively. The towering newcomer, Gerald Coetzee, also managed to put his name on the wickets column.
This sporting exhibition and the accompanying celebrity support highlight cricket’s ability to bring people together, transcending the boundaries of the field. Instances like these not only bolster the spirits of the players but also add a personal touch to the triumphs and tribulations of sports personalities.
As spectators celebrate both individual feats and team efforts, each expression of support stands as a reminder of the collective passion and adulation that sport, particularly cricket, commands among its followers. KL Rahul’s outstanding performance is yet another chapter in India’s proud cricketing narrative, drawing praise from all corners, including from a life partner who too basks in the shared joy of success.
