IND vs SA 1st Test: India opener KL Rahul has reacted to his scintillating hundred on the first day of the Centurion Test and said that reaching to the three-figure mark after battling for six to seven hours was “truly special” for any batsman. He added that he has surprised himself with how calm he was on the opening day of the ongoing first Test against South Africa at the SuperSport Park. Follow IND vs SA Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
IND vs SA 1st Test: KL Rahul reacts to his sensational hundred, says ’emotions you go through after batting 6-7 hours is truly special’
The hundred from Rahul is only the second by an Indian batsman on the first day of a tour outside Asia. Murali Vijay in 2014 became the first to do so when he scored a hundred against England at Trent Bridge in 2014.
“It is truly special, every hundred really takes something out of you and gives you joy. There are so many emotions you go through when you score a hundred. You bat for 6-7 hours, those are the kind of innings that stand out and as players, we really cherish these. This is what is expected out of me. Once I got off to a good start, I started enjoying my batting and I did not think too far ahead,” Rahul, who hit 16 fours and six on Sunday told BCCI.TV.
Car conversations with ‘Centurion’ @klrahul11 🚗 🗣️
From emotions on scoring ton 💯 to forming partnerships 🤜🤛 & batting mindset 👍.
The #TeamIndia opener discusses it all after Day 1 of the 1st #SAvIND Test. 👏 – By @28anand
Full interview 🎥 🔽https://t.co/d2DooNWtrG pic.twitter.com/Y0ONWu5vQ3
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2021
The 29-year-old also talked about the “purpose and intensity” with which India batsmen trained going into the Test match. The Karnataka batsman believes that the same has given a lot of confident to him and his teammates and that it will hold them in good stead in the 3-Test series.
📸📸 💯@klrahul11
pic courtesy – CSA pic.twitter.com/mm98BjErTI
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 26, 2021
“Preparation has been really good, all the batters that batted on Day 1 were really focused. I just try to stay in the moment when I am out there in the middle. I have surprised myself with how calm I have been, my focus has always been to stay in the moment and react to the ball that is bowled. Really happy that I could finish the day on a good note,” said Rahul.
India were on top of South Africa at stumps, ending the day on 272 for 3 with KL Rahul (122*) and Ajinkya Rahane (40*) unbeaten at the crease. Mayank Agarwal contributed handsome with handsome 60 runs, while Virat Kohli looked in fine touch during his 94-ball 35 before poking a wide delivery to hand his wicket to Lungi Ngidi. Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed by the same bowler for a golden duck.
IND vs SA 1st Test: KL Rahul reacts to his sensational hundred, says ’emotions you go through after batting 6-7 hours is truly special’
