‘In Top 10 In India's Test History…’: KL Rahul's century earns unique praise from Sunil Gavaskar

At the end of day 2 of the 1st Test match between India and South Africa, India scored 245 runs in their first innings, with KL Rahul shining with a remarkable century, scoring 101 runs from 137 balls. South Africa leads by 11 runs at stumps, with a total of 256/5 in 66 overs. Among the Indian bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah took 2 wickets for 48 runs in 16 overs, while Prasidh Krishna claimed 1 wicket for 61 runs in 15 overs. South Africa's opening batsman, Dean Elgar, remained unbeaten on 140 runs from 211 balls. The match, which starts at 1:30 p.m., continues at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium on Thursday, December 28, 2023.

3 things you need to know 

• KL Rahul scored 101 runs in 137 balls in India’s 1st innings 
• Dean Elgar will continue with his bat on Day 3 after scoring 140* in 211 balls so far 
• South Africa leads the match with 11 runs at the end of the Day 2 

Also Read: Ton-up Elgar overshadows Rahul as SA take control

Sunil Gavaskar made a huge remark on KL Rahul’s 100 in  SA

 Renowned cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised KL Rahul's incredible century in Wednesday's inaugural Test against South Africa. Praising the innings, Gavaskar said it was "among the top ten in the history" of red-ball cricket in India. Day 1 saw India at 92 for 4, which is when Rahul joined the contest. He showed incredible perseverance, making a valiant 101 off 137 balls, despite the difficult conditions on the uncertain surface. His innings came to an end when he was removed by rookie bowler Nandre Burger, adding to India's 245 before they were all out.

Gavaskar underlined the importance of Rahul's innings during a Hindi-language Star Sports commentary, stressing the challenging conditions and the unpredictable nature of the ball. He emphasised the enormous self-assurance needed to succeed on such difficult roads. Sunil Gavaskar said: 

"I have been watching cricket for over 50 years now, and I can undoubtedly say this century by Rahul has to be in the top ten of India's Test history because it's a different pitch here," 

"A batter would not gain the confidence so easily that he has set, especially with the ball doing anything at any time." 

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Sunil Gavaskar on KL Rahul’s special sixer against South Africa 

Honouring KL Rahul's tremendous six off Gerald Coetzee to get to his century, Gavaskar said,

 “The shot with which he reached to his hundred, no praise would be enough for it. It was a length ball, and he played a shot that you would normally see in T20s. Amazing!”

With his second century here, Rahul became the only overseas batsman to have scored multiple Test hundreds at this location.

During his innings, which included 14 fours and 4 sixes, Rahul also made history by being the second Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to score a century in a Test match in this nation, after Rishabh Pant.

Rahul most notably continued his incredible streak of centuries in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and England. These countries currently own five of his eight 100s on record.