Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul put on a show with the bat in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

On a pitch where batting was extremely difficult, Rahul managed to stamp his authority as he slammed 101 off 137 balls, including 14 fours and 4 sixes.

Thanks to his stunning hundred, the visitors posted 245/10 in their first innings, a total that seemed improbable to get earlier on.

As expected, Rahul was showered with praises for his brilliant knock but the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s compliment stole the limelight.

"I've been watching cricket for the last 50 years, but I can surely say that this hundred by Rahul is in the Top 10 centuries scored by Indians in Test cricket," Gavaskar said during commentary.

After the close of play on Day 2, Rahul addressed a press conference, where he was asked about his reaction to Gavaskar’s praising words.

In reply, Rahul said: "Firstly, I'm very humbled he's made that comment. It's a pretty huge compliment to get. Batting in the middle order, what I've realised is that you can't really plan your innings all that much when you walk in. There is a situation in front of you. The game tells you how you need to play and what you need to do in that time and in that moment."

"That's what I try to do walk in with very free and empty mindset when I'm batting and see what the game demands of me and try and do my best. Yesterday and today the situation was quite clear: I am batting with the tail and need to take my chances. I tried to score as many runs as possible so I'm pretty happy," he added.

Coming to the match, South Africa ended the second day on 256/5, leading India by 11 runs. Opener Deal Elgar starred with the bat for the Proteas, returning with an unbeaten 140. Debutant David Bedingham also scored a crucial half-century.