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[Saba Sports News] KL Rahul’s masterful century on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa has garnered widespread praise, including from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar, with five centuries of his own on South African pitches, commended Rahul’s performance on social media.
Rahul stepped in on Day 1 at Super Sport Park, Centurion, with India struggling at 92/4, despite a valuable 68-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Facing a challenging situation with India at 121/6, Rahul remained composed and ended Day 1 unbeaten at 70. His resilience continued on Day 2, leading to his seventh overseas and eighth overall Test century. Thanks to Rahul’s skillful 101 off 137 balls, India reached a respectable total of 245.
Tendulkar expressed his admiration on his official ‘X’ account: “Well played @klrahul. His clear thought process and precise, assured footwork stand out. This century is crucial in this Test context, and India will be pleased with 245, given their position yesterday.”
Sachin Tendulkar Comments on South Africa’s Bowling
Tendulkar also acknowledged young South African bowlers Gerald Coetzee and debutant Nandre Burger. Burger impressed with the dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rahul, while Coetzee, though claiming only one wicket, bowled with vigor. Tendulkar, however, felt that South Africa might be dissatisfied with their bowling under favorable conditions.
“Tendulkar remarked, “Nandre Burger and @GeraldCoetzee62 seem promising for South Africa. However, considering the conditions, their bowling performance might not be too satisfying.”