KL Rahul Shines with Century as India Faces New Zealand in ODI Series

In the second ODI against New Zealand, KL Rahul's impressive century helped India set a competitive score of 284. Despite his efforts, New Zealand successfully chased down the target, leveling the series at 1-1. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate praised Rahul's performance and discussed the team's batting strategy. The match featured significant contributions from both teams, with New Zealand's Will Young and Daryl Mitchell leading the chase. Discover more about this thrilling encounter and its implications for the series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 03:27 IST

KL Rahul's Remarkable Century and Batting Strategy

Following New Zealand's seven-wicket victory in the second ODI of their three-match series, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate praised wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul for achieving his eighth ODI century.

In the post-match press conference, ten Doeschate referred to Rahul's performance as 'a quality hundred.' He also discussed the team's strategy regarding the placement of all-rounders in the batting order, with Rahul positioned at number five. 'KL Rahul is undoubtedly capable of batting at number five; that was a quality hundred. Over the past 18 months, we've aimed to extend our batting lineup, often utilizing all-rounders either at the top or in the fifth position, similar to our previous use of Washington Sundar. With KL Rahul in form and scoring runs, he can consistently occupy the number five spot, allowing us to place all-rounders at the sixth, seventh, or eighth positions, with Harshit Rana potentially filling that eighth role, which will enhance our batting depth,' ten Doeschate explained.

Match Overview: Rahul's Performance Boosts India to 284

In the match, India set a challenging target of 284 runs, finishing at 284/7 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Captain Shubman Gill contributed significantly with 56 runs off 53 balls, hitting nine fours and one six. Rohit Sharma added 24 runs from 38 balls, supported by four boundaries, while Virat Kohli scored 23 runs off 29 balls, including two fours. KL Rahul's outstanding performance saw him finish unbeaten at 112 runs from 92 balls, featuring 11 fours and one six.

New Zealand's bowling attack included Kyle Jamieson (1/70), Zakary Foulkes (1/67), Kristian Clarke (3/56), Jayden Lennox (1/42), and captain Michael Bracewell (1/34) as key wicket-takers.

New Zealand's Successful Chase Levels the Series

In pursuit of 285 runs, Will Young delivered an impressive performance, scoring 87 runs off 98 balls, including seven fours. He formed a remarkable 162-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 131 runs off 117 balls, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. This victory marked New Zealand's highest successful ODI chase (285) in India.

With this win, New Zealand leveled the three-match ODI series at 1-1. For India, Harshit Rana (1/52), Prasidh Krishna (1/49), and Kuldeep Yadav (1/82) were among the bowlers who took wickets.