In a spectacular turn of events, KL Rahul emerged as the lone shining star for India in the first two days of the Centurion Test against South Africa at the Supersport Park, scoring a remarkable century of 101 runs in 137 balls. This triumph marked the perfect conclusion to Rahul’s roller coaster of a year in 2023.
Facing criticism earlier in the year, Rahul experienced a significant setback, losing his place in the playing XI and being stripped of the vice-captaincy in the red-ball format midway through the series against Australia in March. Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad was among those calling for Rahul’s exclusion from the team, questioning his selection.
However, Rahul bounced back after a period of injury, showcasing his prowess in ODI cricket and securing a new role as a wicket-keeper batter. Taking on the challenge at number six, a departure from his usual opening position, the 31-year-old delivered a sensational performance with his eighth Test century.
In a bold response to his critics, Rahul, in the post-match press conference, acknowledged the impact of social media trolling on him but emphasized that performance is the ultimate measure to counter criticism. He candidly stated, “One who is hailing me today was abusing me some months back.” Rahul highlighted the personal growth he underwent during his time away from the game, acknowledging the support he received.
This century, Rahul’s first as a non-opener, not only showcases his cricketing prowess but also signifies a resilient comeback, shutting down critics who once questioned his place in the team. As Rahul stated, “When you play international cricket, you are not only challenged as a player but also as a person,” and his triumphant return exemplifies both aspects of this challenging journey.