KL Rahul to play 100th ODI game (Source: @Digital_Sports/x.com)Wicketkeeper batters have always turned heads, but only a few have shown unrealistic flexibility like KL Rahul. The star batter has proven his class behind the stumps while also showing incredible flexibility with the bat across different positions. Since making his ODI debut, Rahul has emerged as one of India’s most dependable middle-order options.Over the years, KL Rahul has delivered several crucial knocks that have played a key role in India’s victories. As Team India is all set to face the West Indies in the second ODI match of the ongoing series, KL Rahul is all set to play his 100th ODI game. Before he takes the field, let’s relive his top five ODI knocks. 5. 100 vs Zimbabwe In 2016Unlike his Test debut on Boxing Day, Rahul stepped into the ODI arena and showcased his class in the very first game. Facing Zimbabwe in his first-ever ODI game, he smashed a stunning hundred and became the first Indian batter to achieve the feat. Chasing down a 169-run total, KL Rahul opened the innings with Karun Nair. After Nair walked away quickly, he stood tall and scored his maiden ODI fifty in 57 balls. As Team India needed a turnaround, Rahul continued his brilliant assault and smashed his first ODI century in the 43rd over, guiding India to a commanding nine-wicket victory.Also Read: KL Rahul Faces Fresh Competition For Delhi Capitals' Captaincy4. 102 vs West Indies In 2019 Since his debut, whenever India needed a responsible batter, KL Rahul stood tall in any situation. During the West Indies’ tour of India in 2019, the wicketkeeper-batter proved his worth once again. After the Men in Blue started the series with a defeat, Rahul’s crucial knock helped India to balance the series. Opening alongside Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul looked in sublime touch from the very beginning. After a 46-ball fifty, he continued his destruction as the opponent bowlers faced the heat. Soon after Hitman’s hundred, he scored another crucial ton in 102 balls. His exceptional 102-run innings helped India to put on a strong total. 3. 102 vs Netherlands In 2023The World Cup 2023 was a dream campaign for the Men in Blue as they experienced immense success until the final. Against the Netherlands on home soil, the Karnataka-born batter once again showcased his brilliance, adding another spark to India’s dominant performance.Coming to bat at number five, he smashed the Dutch bowlers all over the ground. Channeling his brilliance, he scored a 62-ball hundred, scripting the fastest hundred of his ODI career. With his outstanding display, Team India put on a giant total of 410 runs on the board. 2. 111 vs Sri Lanka In 2019Whenever KL Rahul walks out to bat, the cricket world witnesses the perfect blend of composure and sheer talent. Facing Sri Lanka in the 2019 ODI World Cup, the wicketkeeper-batter showcased his class. Opening the innings with Rohit Sharma, Rahul brought up his fifty in 67 deliveries. Pushing the team towards victory, KL reached a hundred in 109 balls, marking his maiden World Cup hundred. After a crucial 189-run partnership with Rohit Sharma and another partnership with Virat Kohli, he walked away after playing a stunning innings of 111 runs off 118 balls. 1. 112 vs New Zealand In 2020In 2020, Team India had a horrible series against New Zealand as they faced a 3-0 defeat against the Kiwis. After two consecutive defeats, Team India was struggling at 62/3 in the third ODI, and KL Rahul arrived to bat at number five. To keep the fight alive, he stitched a crucial partnership with Shreyas Iyer. After reaching a half-century, he tightened his grip. He continued to push the Men in Blue towards a massive total, eventually smashing a brilliant century in 104 balls before Bennett dismissed him for 112 in the 47th over. Years later, Rahul’s 113-ball 112 remains one of his finest ODI knocks.Also Read: Mike Hussey To Leave CSK As Batting Coach Ahead Of IPL 2027 - Report
