Indian opener KL Rahul looked in sublime touch with the bat on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Rahul helped India get off to a terrific start in the Boxing Day Test with a magnificent unbeaten century on the opening day. He slammed 122 not out to help India post 272/3 on the board at stumps on Day 3.

India were off to a good start after winning the toss and opting to bat first in the Boxing Day clash. Openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (60) combined to put on a 117-run stand for the first wicket before Cheteshwar Pujara departed cheaply. However, Rahul continued to go strong at one end and combined with skipper Virat Kohli to add 82 runs for the third wicket.

He then posted another crucial partnership of unbeaten 73 runs with Ajinkya Rahane (40) to put India in a strong position at stumps on Day 1. With his magnificent ton, Rahul joined former India batsman Wasim Jaffer in an elite list. Rahul became only the second Indian opener to score a Test century in South Africa after Jaffer.

List of Indian openers to score Test centuries in South Africa

Wasim Jaffer- Cape Town (2007)&nbsp;

KL Rahul- Centurion (2021)&nbsp;

It was Rahul's 7th Test ton in his career so far as he also aced the unique record of scoring a Test hundred in every country that he has played in so far. He has scored centuries in England, South Africa,&nbsp;India, Australia, West Indies, and Sri Lanka so far in his career.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-slams-ton-to-give-india-strong-start-in-boxing-day-test-against-south-africa-in-centurion-440192">KL Rahul slams ton to give India strong start in Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion</a>

Owing to his heroics, India are in a solid position in the Boxing Day Test and will be looking to breach the 400-run mark on Day 2. While Rahul looked composed throughout his knock, Rahane, who has been under fire for his recent struggles, also displayed remarkable grit and resilience in his 40 not out of 81 deliveries and will be hoping to notch up a big score.

Indian opener KL Rahul looked in sublime touch with the bat on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Indian opener KL Rahul looked in sublime touch with the bat on Day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Rahul helped India get off to a terrific start in the Boxing Day Test with a magnificent unbeaten century on the opening day. He slammed 122 not out to help India post 272/3 on the board at stumps on Day 3. India were off to a good start after winning the toss and opting to bat first in the Boxing Day clash. Openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (60) combined to put on a 117-run stand for the first wicket before Cheteshwar Pujara departed cheaply. However, Rahul continued to go strong at one end and combined with skipper Virat Kohli to add 82 runs for the third wicket. He then posted another crucial partnership of unbeaten 73 runs with Ajinkya Rahane (40) to put India in a strong position at stumps on Day 1. With his magnificent ton, Rahul joined former India batsman Wasim Jaffer in an elite list. Rahul became only the second Indian opener to score a Test century in South Africa after Jaffer. List of Indian openers to score Test centuries in South Africa Wasim Jaffer- Cape Town (2007) KL Rahul- Centurion (2021) It was Rahul's 7th Test ton in his career so far as he also aced the unique record of scoring a Test hundred in every country that he has played in so far. He has scored centuries in England, South Africa, India, Australia, West Indies, and Sri Lanka so far in his career. Also Read: KL Rahul slams ton to give India strong start in Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion Owing to his heroics, India are in a solid position in the Boxing Day Test and will be looking to breach the 400-run mark on Day 2. While Rahul looked composed throughout his knock, Rahane, who has been under fire for his recent struggles, also displayed remarkable grit and resilience in his 40 not out of 81 deliveries and will be hoping to notch up a big score.

KL Rahul joins Wasim Jaffer in elite list with brilliant century in Boxing Day Test against South Africa

After scoring a stunning century, India's opening batsman KL Rahul got a hero welcome by his teammates in the dressing room at the end of the first day of the second Test between India and England at Lord's on Thursday (August 12). &nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a short video, where Rahul was seen walking back to the dressing room at stumps. All the teammates were clapping for his heroics with the bat. He was congratulated by the teammates Mayank Agarwal, Ravichandran Ashwin, etc and also by the head coach Ravi Shastri.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-vs-england-sourav-ganguly-gets-nostalgic-at-lords-shares-epic-throwback-pictures-405067">Sourav Ganguly gets nostalgic at Lord's, shares epic throwback pictures</a>

Rohit Sharma, who made superb 83 runs for a 126-run stand with Rahul, had also heaped praises on the fellow opener as he said, "This is probably the best that I have seen KL Rahul bat."&nbsp;

"I thought he was very much in control from Ball 1. Till we finished the day today, he looked very much in control. At no point, it looked like he was confused or thinking too much, he was very clear about his plans," he added.&nbsp;

"When you are clear with your plans, when you trust your plans, it definitely works. I thought today was his day and I thought he really made it count," said Rohit.&nbsp;

Watch the video:

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🎥 Scenes as <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul11</a> returns to the dressing room after his brilliant 1⃣2⃣7⃣* on Day 1 of the Lord's Test. 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/vY8dN3lU0y">pic.twitter.com/vY8dN3lU0y</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1426038301887135750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/makes-most-sense-for-us-virat-kohli-explains-reason-behind-choosing-ishant-sharma-over-r-ashwin-404968">'Makes most sense for us': Virat Kohli explains reason behind choosing Ishant Sharma over R Ashwin</a>

KL Rahul, who was unbeaten at 127 at the end of Day 1,&nbsp;struck some magnificent shots to complete his sixth century in 38 Tests. Not just that, he became India's third centurion as an opener at Lord's and also equalled former cricketer Virender Sehwag in the list of most hundreds outside Asia.

Now, Sehwag and Rahul have four Test tons outside Asia while playing as openers in whites. Sunil Gavaskar sits on top of the list with 15 centuries outside Asia.

After scoring a stunning century, India's opening batsman KL Rahul got a hero welcome by his teammates in the dressing room at the end of the first day of the second Test between India and England at Lord's on Thursday (August 12).

After scoring a stunning century, India's opening batsman KL Rahul got a hero welcome by his teammates in the dressing room at the end of the first day of the second Test between India and England at Lord's on Thursday (August 12). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a short video, where Rahul was seen walking back to the dressing room at stumps. All the teammates were clapping for his heroics with the bat. He was congratulated by the teammates Mayank Agarwal, Ravichandran Ashwin, etc and also by the head coach Ravi Shastri. ALSO READ | Sourav Ganguly gets nostalgic at Lord's, shares epic throwback pictures Rohit Sharma, who made superb 83 runs for a 126-run stand with Rahul, had also heaped praises on the fellow opener as he said, "This is probably the best that I have seen KL Rahul bat." "I thought he was very much in control from Ball 1. Till we finished the day today, he looked very much in control. At no point, it looked like he was confused or thinking too much, he was very clear about his plans," he added. "When you are clear with your plans, when you trust your plans, it definitely works. I thought today was his day and I thought he really made it count," said Rohit. Watch the video: 🎥 Scenes as @klrahul11 returns to the dressing room after his brilliant 1⃣2⃣7⃣* on Day 1 of the Lord's Test. 👏 👏#TeamIndia #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/vY8dN3lU0y — BCCI (@BCCI) August 13, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Makes most sense for us': Virat Kohli explains reason behind choosing Ishant Sharma over R Ashwin KL Rahul, who was unbeaten at 127 at the end of Day 1, struck some magnificent shots to complete his sixth century in 38 Tests. Not just that, he became India's third centurion as an opener at Lord's and also equalled former cricketer Virender Sehwag in the list of most hundreds outside Asia. Now, Sehwag and Rahul have four Test tons outside Asia while playing as openers in whites. Sunil Gavaskar sits on top of the list with 15 centuries outside Asia.

INDvsENG, 2nd Test: KL Rahul gets hero welcome by teammates after his sensational ton, watch dressing room scenes

Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul hammered a stunning century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> but said he was lacking confidence in his skills as a batsman ahead of the match, which was played in Dubai.

Rahul scored an unbeaten 132 off 69 deliveries as KXIP thumped RCB by 97 runs. Rahul now has the highest-ever score by an Indian in IPL history.&nbsp;

"I have actually been not so confident (hitting it this well). I had a chat with Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) yesterday, he said how are you feeling, I said that I am not feeling completely in control of my batting, he said you must be joking, you are hitting really well," Rahul said at the post-match presentation.

Rahul had already spoken about his fears of losing skills leading up to the IPL as all the players returned to the field after a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-kl-rahuls-brilliance-help-kxip-defeat-rcb-by-97-runs-330044">IPL 2020: KL Rahul's brilliance help KXIP defeat RCB by 97 runs</a>

"Quite honestly I was nervous but I knew if I spend time in the middle, hit a few balls from the middle of bat, it will all settle down.

"I try to do (the same routines as I did when I was a player) but as a captain you have shortened time and you are running around and doing a lot of things," Rahul said.

"I still try to maintain the same routine. Once I am in the middle and during the toss is the only time I feel like a captain and otherwise I try to balance being a player and the captain," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ben-stokes-expected-to-join-rajasthan-royals-squad-in-early-october-report-329905" hreflang="en">Ben Stokes expected to join Rajasthan Royals squad in 'early October': Report</a>

After Rahul starred with the bat, KXIP bowlers put a disciplined performance to bundle out RCB for 109 in 17 overs.

"It's as complete a team performance as it can get. We had few different plans going into this game.

"We knew RCB have a power packed batting line up and we had to get 2-3 wickets up front and that also meant putting runs on the board, we know what these guys can do if they get set. The analyst, coaches and the management will be happy."

Rahul, who is in-charge of leading KXIP in IPL 2020, heaped praises on youngster Ravi Bishnoi, who again impressed while bagging three wickets against RCB.

"Something that has impressed me in him (Bishoni's heart of coming back even after an expensive start). I watched the U-19 World Cup. He has a lot of fight in him.

"Every time I throw the ball he wants to do well, he was a little nervous bowling at guys like Finchy and AB, once he got through that he did well," added Rahul. 
&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul hammered a stunning century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but said he was lacking confidence in his skills as a batsman ahead of the match, which was played in Dubai.

Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul hammered a stunning century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but said he was lacking confidence in his skills as a batsman ahead of the match, which was played in Dubai. Rahul scored an unbeaten 132 off 69 deliveries as KXIP thumped RCB by 97 runs. Rahul now has the highest-ever score by an Indian in IPL history. "I have actually been not so confident (hitting it this well). I had a chat with Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) yesterday, he said how are you feeling, I said that I am not feeling completely in control of my batting, he said you must be joking, you are hitting really well," Rahul said at the post-match presentation. Rahul had already spoken about his fears of losing skills leading up to the IPL as all the players returned to the field after a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: KL Rahul's brilliance help KXIP defeat RCB by 97 runs "Quite honestly I was nervous but I knew if I spend time in the middle, hit a few balls from the middle of bat, it will all settle down. "I try to do (the same routines as I did when I was a player) but as a captain you have shortened time and you are running around and doing a lot of things," Rahul said. "I still try to maintain the same routine. Once I am in the middle and during the toss is the only time I feel like a captain and otherwise I try to balance being a player and the captain," he said. ALSO READ: Ben Stokes expected to join Rajasthan Royals squad in 'early October': Report After Rahul starred with the bat, KXIP bowlers put a disciplined performance to bundle out RCB for 109 in 17 overs. "It's as complete a team performance as it can get. We had few different plans going into this game. "We knew RCB have a power packed batting line up and we had to get 2-3 wickets up front and that also meant putting runs on the board, we know what these guys can do if they get set. The analyst, coaches and the management will be happy." Rahul, who is in-charge of leading KXIP in IPL 2020, heaped praises on youngster Ravi Bishnoi, who again impressed while bagging three wickets against RCB. "Something that has impressed me in him (Bishoni's heart of coming back even after an expensive start). I watched the U-19 World Cup. He has a lot of fight in him. "Every time I throw the ball he wants to do well, he was a little nervous bowling at guys like Finchy and AB, once he got through that he did well," added Rahul.

IPL 2020: Record-breaking KL Rahul says he wasn't 'feeling in control' about his batting before RCB match

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KL Rahul joins Wasim Jaffer in elite list with brilliant century in Boxing Day Test against South Africa

INDvsENG, 2nd Test: KL Rahul gets hero welcome by teammates after his sensational ton, watch dressing room scenes

IPL 2020: Record-breaking KL Rahul says he wasn't 'feeling in control' about his batting before RCB match