(Image Source: AP)
[Saba Sports News] Sunil Gavaskar commended KL Rahul for his exceptional performance during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at Centurion. Filling in as wicketkeeper, Rahul’s brilliant batting at No.6 turned the tide for India, achieving his eighth Test century. This feat was particularly noteworthy following a middle-order collapse on the first day. His aggressive batting on the second day, culminating in a century with a bold six against Gerald Coetzee, drew significant acclaim.
Gavaskar expressed high regard for Rahul’s innings, considering it among the top individual centuries by an Indian in Test cricket. He appreciated Rahul’s ability to anchor India’s innings amidst early challenges. Rahul’s combination of aggression and composure was highlighted as a key factor in his standout performance in the match.
Gavaskar, reflecting on his five decades of cricket experience, “This hundred by Rahul is in the top ten in the Indian history of Tests. Despite the uncertainty of the pitch, where a batter can’t feel settled, his approach, particularly today, was exemplary. His transition from 70 to a century, especially after losing Siraj at 95, was impressive. The manner he reached his hundred, with a T20-style shot, was remarkable.”
Gavaskar also noted Rahul’s unique achievement in Centurion, drawing a parallel to Dilip Vengsarkar’s success at Lord’s. Just as Vengsarkar, known for scoring three centuries at Lord’s, was dubbed the ‘Lord of Lord’s,’ Gavaskar dubbed Rahul the ‘Centurion of Centurion.’ This accolade comes as Rahul scored his second consecutive century at the venue, a feat unmatched by any other visiting batter in Centurion.