Sunil Gavaskar believes KL Rahul’s Centurion ton ‘top ten in the Indian history of Tests’

KL Rahul Century. (Photo Source: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Sunil Gavaskar applauded KL Rahul’s stellar performance in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. In a spectacular display, Rahul, stepping in as the designated wicketkeeper, notched up his eighth Test hundred. He arrived at No.6, rescuing India from a precarious situation after a middle-order collapse on Day 1. Rahul showcased his attacking prowess on the second morning, reaching his century, including a decisive six off Gerald Coetzee’s delivery over mid-wicket.

Gavaskar showered immense praise on him and hailed his innings as one of the finest individual centuries by an Indian batter in Test cricket. The veteran commentator lauded Rahul’s skilful rescue act, emphasising the significance of his innings in stabilising India’s innings after the early setbacks. The Karnataka batter’s aggressive yet composed batting style drew accolades, marking his innings as a standout performance in the ongoing Test match.

“I have been watching cricket since 50 years, I can surely say this hundred by Rahul is in the top ten in the Indian history of Tests. Because this is a different kind of pitch. Here, a batter would never have the confidence that he is set. The ball can do anything anytime,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Wisden.

“Playing such a knock despite that, especially today… he was unbeaten on 70 yesterday but only had Siraj and Prasidh Krishna for company today. When Siraj got out, [Rahul] was on 95. The shot with which he reached his hundred, no praise would be enough for it. It was a length ball and he played a shot that you would normally see in T20s. Amazing,” he added.

We can say that KL Rahul is the ‘Centurion of Centurion’: Sunil Gavaskar

The 31-year-old’s ton in Centurion marked his second consecutive hundred at the venue, following his previous feat during the 2021-22 tour. The Little Master drew parallels, likening Rahul’s achievement to Dilip Vengsarkar’s dominance at Lord’s. Vengsarkar, ranking sixth in the list of highest run-scorers at Lord’s among visiting batters, holds the record for three centuries at the venue as a non-English player. Similarly, the Bengaluru-born cricketer claimed the distinction of being the first visiting batter to secure two Test hundreds in Centurion.

“Dilip Vengsarkar had scored three consecutive hundreds at Lord’s and was out on 52 the fourth time. That is why he was called the ‘Lord of Lord’s.’ Similarly, we can say that KL Rahul is the ‘Centurion of Centurion,’” concluded Gavaskar.