KL Rahul impressed one and all with his batting exploits on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Tuesday (December 26).
Playing his first Test as a wicketkeeper-batter, Rahul returned with an impressive unbeaten 70, propelling the visitors to 208/8 on a rain-marred opening day.
On a pitch where batting was extremely difficult, Rahul managed to stamp his authority as he smashed 10 fours and 2 sixes in his knock.
No wonder, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels Rahul's 70 in Centurion is worth more than a hundred.
"This half-century today is worth a hundred, 120. Whether he gets one or not tomorrow, it depends on how the lower-order batters bat with him. But he deserves it fully. Even if he doesn't get it, this, to me, is as good as a century," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
"The balance and a still head. His balance from the first ball was very good. Because his head was still, he was able to leave and lean into deliveries well. He was able to use his height and play the bouncer down. It's all a matter of balance, his ability to get onto the front foot and the backfoot was excellent," he added.
KL Rahul has been in fine form ever since his comeback to the team following an extended injury hiatus. He performed brilliantly for India in the Asia Cup and the Cricket World Cup. Last week, Rahul led the young Indian team to a 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa.
Now, he has carried his brilliance to Test cricket, prompting Gavaskar to say that Rahul seems to be enjoying cricket since his return from the injury.
"We have known his talent for such a long time. We are getting to see it in the last 8-9 months, ever since he has comeback from the horrific injury that we had seen in the IPL. It's a different Rahul. It's a Rahul that we have been yearning to see him for a such a long time. It's so delightful to see," Gavaskar remarked.
Heading into the second day in Centurion, KL Rahul has Mohammed Siraj for company with Prasidh Krishna to follow. The wicketkeeper-batter will be looking to add to his and India's tally when play resumes on Day 2.
