A Historic Century: KL Rahul’s New Batting Tempo Ends Long Wait
Star Indian batsman KL Rahul has finally broken a nearly nine-year drought for a home Test century, achieving a brilliant 100 against the West Indies in the inaugural Test in Ahmedabad. This marks only his second Test hundred on Indian soil throughout his decade-long career. The elegant right-hander revealed that dedicated practice and a revamped batting strategy were key to transforming his strong starts into monumental scores at home.
Reflecting on this significant achievement, Rahul candidly discussed his journey: “I’m not entirely sure why it took so long,” he admitted when questioned about his limited home centuries. “But over the last year, my main focus has been on mastering my batting tempo. It’s about finding enjoyment in those less flashy moments of an innings.”
Rahul elaborated that a crucial adjustment involved significantly improving his running between the wickets, particularly converting ones into twos. “When you’re playing at home with three spinners and the field is spread, you really need to accumulate runs through singles. Boundaries don’t come as easily here. That’s a mental shift I’ve actively worked on – embracing the grind and building big scores with quick singles and doubles.”
His recent impressive century for India A against Australia also played a vital role in regaining his rhythm. “I truly enjoyed my time at the crease. Playing in different conditions, like England, was incredibly fun. Getting runs there boosted my confidence, and coming into this match with recent scores behind me made a difference. I feel refreshed after a good break following the series,” he added.
The 33-year-old also shared the heartfelt meaning behind his emotional celebration: “It was for my daughter,” he revealed after reaching the triple-figure mark. Despite the challenging physical conditions and a relentless West Indies bowling attack, Rahul showcased remarkable composure, patience, and adaptability throughout his innings, ultimately steering India into a commanding position.
With this century, KL Rahul has now amassed 632 runs in six Tests during the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. While it’s only his second home century, this milestone signifies a more consistent and impactful phase for the Indian opener. His ability to blend elegant strokeplay with efficient run-scoring in domestic conditions will be vital as Team India aims to assert its dominance in the upcoming home season.
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