KL Rahul continued his stellar run in ODIs on Wednesday, smashing an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls against New Zealand at the Sardar Patel Stadium. Walking in at 115/3, Rahul showcased composure and resilience, guiding India’s innings with a strike rate of 121.74 while hitting 11 fours and one six.

Rahul’s century is historic as he became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score an ODI hundred against New Zealand and also the first Indian to register an ODI century in Rajkot. His innings included a decisive boundary off Kyle Jamieson in the 49th over to reach the landmark in just 87 balls.

Coming in at No. 5, Rahul initially struggled with six dot balls but soon settled into a rhythm despite losing Virat Kohli early for 23. He formed a 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja and later combined with Nitish Kumar Reddy to post a competitive 284/7, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.

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Since 2025, Rahul has emerged as one of the most effective finishers in ODIs, scoring 283 runs from overs 41-50 at a strike rate of 140.09, ranking among the top globally in this phase. His middle-order consistency, patience, and smart shot selection make him a vital asset for India in high-pressure situations.

Rahul’s performance in the ongoing ODI series reflects his growth as a finisher. Whether rebuilding after early wickets or chasing big targets, he balances aggression and composure, providing stability in India’s middle overs. His average of over 65 against New Zealand in ODIs underscores his reliability.

Earlier in the series, Rahul’s fiery knock in the opener at Vadodara also proved decisive. His quickfire 29 off 21 balls, including two fours and a six in the final over, helped India secure a four-wicket win, reinforcing his rising reputation as a match-winner in the limited-overs format.

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