In a high-pressure situation that tested India’s middle-order temperament, KL Rahul produced a scintillating century while batting at No. 5 in the ongoing second ODI against New Zealand at the Niranjan Shah Stadium. Coming in with India reeling, Rahul showed composure, class and controlled aggression to lift the hosts to a competitive 284/7 after 50 overs. His unbeaten 112 off 92 balls stood out as a stroke of responsibility and authority, underscoring India’s growing importance in the ODI set-up.
A solid start sets the platform for India
India’s innings started on a positive note after New Zealand won the toss and picked up the trophy. Opening pair Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma looked fluent adding 70 runs for the first wicket. Leading the side, Gill looked in fine touch and closed the first leg with confidence. However, after the openers left, the pace dropped sharply as New Zealand’s bowlers applied pressure through disciplined lines and timely advances.
The middle batting proved difficult for India as wickets fell regularly. From a position of relative comfort, the hosts slipped to 118/4 in 23.3 overs, leaving the innings at a crossroads. With the highest order in the pavilion, the responsibility fell squarely on his shoulders KL Rahulwhich comes with a clear brief – first reset, then speed up.
KL Rahul restores stability with Ravindra Jadeja
Rahul found himself an ideal partner Ravindra Jadejaand the duo focused on damage control together. The pair added a valuable 73 runs for the fifth wicket, rotating the batting efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. Jadeja’s 27 provided crucial support before his dismissal, but by then Rahul had already set the tone for the final attack.
Sealed hundred in style for Rahul
Once installed, Rahul changed gears without a problem. Mixing finesse with power, he targeted gaps and cleaned up threads when needed. In the final of India’s innings, he brought up his eighth ODI hundred in style with a towering six, a moment that summed up his confidence and clarity. Rahul remained unbeaten on 112, leading India to a batting 284/7.
He had moments with New Zealand’s bowlers Christian Clarke With figures of 3/56, he emerged as the pick, but Rahul’s knock ensured that India stayed in the contest.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
💯
By A KaLm and gritty century @klrahul there are total 87 deliveries here in Rajkot.
8th in ODIs 👏👏#TeamIndia #INDvNZ #2NDODI @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/DLBwZWBItx
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026
100 top quality from Kl Rahul.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 14, 2026
What 💯 under pressure @klrahul. A nice tattoo 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/zkjikm6OEn
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) January 14, 2026
The world of cricket needs to take a break ⏸️ and appreciate this gem 💎 of a cricketer who always steps up and swings his bat regardless of his slot! A man standing upright in a crisis!
KL Rahul 💯🙌🏏🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/uF9fPu9Cyo— Rukshi Khan (@Rukshi_khan_) January 14, 2026
A shot of the highest order @klrahul 🤌❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/1JS9gBWv4p
— Manjit (@CricManjit) January 14, 2026
Today, KL Rahul reminded us that he is not made just for finishing.
He is a player made for centuries and half centuries. He sacrificed his top-order batting position only for the team’s combination. pic.twitter.com/ydD1MAv3zk
— Lordgod 🚩™ (@LordGod188) January 14, 2026
India’s First Centurion of 2026
I love it, what a beat 🤌❤️ @klrahul pic.twitter.com/UZWe3doro4— Manjit (@CricManjit) January 14, 2026
12 finals are over.
KL Rahul edges it well and finishes unbeaten – a shot built on control, then closed with intent.
India post 284/7 mainly thanks to their composure under pressure.
pic.twitter.com/BgsCaVKJIt— Cricket Gyani🏏💡 (@CSyncing) January 14, 2026
Never doubt KL Rahul under the captaincy of India’s crisis man, Shubman Gill! 🙇
For context:- KL Rahul under Gill
– 958 runs, 60 average, 4 hundreds 😮💨#INDvNZ #KLRahul pic.twitter.com/zkXwt8BLCi
— Prateek (@prateek_295) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul was the crisis man for India, first setting up the fledgling Indian innings and then taking them to a score where they could fight; and maybe win this game#IndvsNZ
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 14, 2026
Bow down to KL Rahul.
The best thing about him is that when the pitch is the toughest, he will be there, he will be strong, be it in Tests or ODIs. He’s not one to stat-padding straight pitches.
The most valued guy in our team. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/M8zk7aGcDP
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) January 14, 2026
Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill appreciate KL Rahul’s tattoo. 👏#KLRahul #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #ShubmanGill #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/EZ2tAuJ6w0
— Sabir Zafar (@Sabir_Saabu01) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul:
> Can open or hit in average order
> Can finish games under pressure
> Can captain and lead a team
> Adapts to any batting position or role
> Effective in Tests, ODIs and T20s
> A wicketkeeper-batsman adds balance to the team
> Quiet, technically sound and… pic.twitter.com/jpFPEVCb3Q— Dev (@refocus21) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul
It is a better key than gill
He finishes better than Dhoni
He is a better goalkeeper than pants
He is a better captain than Kohli
KL RAHUL CRISIS MAN #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/I5x7j7df1n— Laal Kaptaan (@ajay_dhojak07) January 14, 2026
KL RAHUL AVERAGE 64.21 & 99.59 WITCH RATE 5th in ODIs 🤯 pic.twitter.com/GIi93fIXFO
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 14, 2026
– 4 wickets fell to 118
– run rate is below 5,
– only all rounders left,
– more than half left,
– The game was long overThen KL Rahul said I did it before repeating it. He singlehandedly saved India’s innings today❤️pic.twitter.com/tDdiHDKcEg
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul made an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls in Rajkot. Batting at No. 5 at the breakdown, he took charge of the innings and took India to 284 for 7. #INDvsNZpic.twitter.com/0tTEDKKpLH
— SKH (@Skh9864) January 14, 2026
KL RAHUL 5TH IN ODI CRICKET:
Innings – 33.
Running – 1477.
Average – 64.21.
Strike rate – 99.4.
Hundreds – 3.
Fifty – 10.– Class KL Rahul has been phenomenal at No 5 for India in ODIs! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/pJbqBeSdHb
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 14, 2026
🗣 : You just need 4 Runs to complete your century, play carefully.
Meanwhile Selfless KL Rahul 💀🔥pic.twitter.com/YcMr1bFOyb
— Atharv Shukla (@Atharb_) January 14, 2026
