KL Rahul joins Adam Gilchrist in rare feat, leaves AB de Villiers behind
KL Rahul etched his name into the record books by achieving a historic milestone by surpassing AB de Villiers and emulating Adam Gilchrist. The Indian star became the first player in the world to record this unique feat, underlining his consistency and impact across formats.
Despite the home team’s defeat, KL Rahul created history with a memorable performance in the second ODI between India and New Zealand at the Saurashtra Cricket Association’s (SCA) Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday (November 14). After the Indian team struggled during the middle overs following Michael Bracewell’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss, Rahul stepped up to help the home team post a competitive total of 284 runs on the board.
Rahul scored the 7th ODI century of his career with an impressive score of 112 off just 92 balls, including 11 boundaries and six. This marked his first three-figure score in over two years. The last time the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman scored a century in this format was against the Netherlands in the 2023 World Cup and broke the world record as the fastest century in the history of the tournament.
KL Rahul Makes History
This was Rahul’s second century against New Zealand while playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman. He previously reached triple figures against the Black Caps at Mount Maunganui in February 2020. Among wicketkeepers, no player has more centuries against New Zealand than Rahul, who tops the elite list alongside Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara and Brad Haddin.
Except Rahul, all other players are in the top three. Among batting wicketkeepers in the middle order (No. 4 and below), the 33-year-old holds the record for most centuries against New Zealand. In fact, he is one of only four players in history to keep wicket and score a century against a two-time World Champion team.
Both of Rahul’s centuries against New Zealand came in the fifth over. In the history of the format, Shakib Al Hasan is the only batsman to bat at this position or lower and score centuries against the Kiwis.
While Rahul started his career as an opener and uniquely stands out as the only Indian batsman to score a century on debut in this format, it was his move to the middle order and taking up wicketkeeping duties that truly changed his career.
Among WK batsmen who have scored more than 1000 runs, Rahul has an average of 59.18, placing him just behind Ab de Villiers, who has an impressive score of 70.54. This trend continues among full-member players with batsmen batting at number five or lower. India’s sensational average is 58.35, with de Villiers leading the way with 79.8.
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