KL Rahul turned hero for India once again in the second ODI against New Zealand at Rajkot on January 14. Batting at his favorite No. 5 spot, KL Rahul came in when the Men in Blue were in big trouble at 118 for 4, after quick wickets of Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli.
KL Rahul crafts 8th ODI ton to rescue India in second ODI against New Zealand
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter first stabilized the innings with a 73-run partnership alongside Ravindra Jadeja. After Jadeja’s dismissal, he joined Nitish Kumar Reddy and added another crucial 57 runs off 49 balls.
Even as Nitish and Harshit Rana fell in quick succession, Rahul kept India going, farming the strike and pacing the innings smartly. He reached his century with a six off the final ball of the 49th over, taking India to a strong total of 284 for 7 in 50 overs against New Zealand.
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His incredible 112* knock featured 11 boundaries and a six in the ongoing second ODI against the Black Caps in Rajkot. It was Rahul’s 8th ODI hundred for India and third as wicketkeeper.
Rahul’s signature whistle celebration in Rajkot goes viral
Meanwhile, Rahul celebrated the ton in a special way for his daughter, removing his helmet and left-hand glove before pulling off his signature whistle celebration.
The star batter put his three fingers on his mouth while raising the bat. He acknowledged the crowd before resuming the play.
𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚? 😌
KL Rahul brings up his 8️⃣th ODI century to put #TeamIndia in a strong position 💪#INDvNZ | 2nd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/mJ3SChcj3i pic.twitter.com/1zfq06ydH6
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 14, 2026
This was not the first time when the Karnataka batter has pulled off this unique celebration, as he did the same during the Ahmedabad Test last year against the West Indies. Notably, Rahul and his wife, Athiya Shetty, have a daughter named Evaarah, who was born in March 2025.
Gautam Gambhir applauds Rahul’s classy century
Additionally, Rahul’s stunning hundred earned Rahul special appreciation from Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the clip went viral online.
As he, alongside Mohammed Siraj, headed back to the Indian dressing room, Gambhir greeted Rahul with a warm smile, congratulating him and patting him on the back for the brilliant innings that rescued India from a collapse.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) January 14, 2026
KL Rahul shares motivational advice with young cricketers
Recently, KL Rahul interacted with young cricketers, sharing his experience and advice in an Instagram video. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter answered questions from aspiring players. When asked what to do when opportunities are few, Rahul urged them to stay patient, work hard, and always be ready for their chance.
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Rahul said in the video shared on Indian cricket team account on Instagram, “You will definitely get a chance to show your talent, whether it’s in a domestic, international, or local tournament. You just have to work hard and be ready when your opportunity comes, and grab it with both your hands. As cricketers, it’s the only thing we can do.”
The right-hander added, “It’s a difficult phase for everyone when we do not get a chance, but everyone has to go through that phase. No one can stay at the top forever. There will be anger and frustration, but try to snap out of it and do what is in your control, and leave the rest to God. Whenever God gives you a chance, use it wisely.”
