Ravi Shastri Gives Full Credit to KL Rahul for Match-Winning 112

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and ex-New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith lavished praise on KL Rahul after his unbeaten century guided India out of trouble in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Rahul struck his 8th ODI hundred, scoring a composed 112 not out off 92 balls, an innings that came at a crucial juncture when India were struggling at 118/4. His knock, laced with 12 fours and a six, helped stabilise the innings on a slowing pitch with an aging ball.

Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI, Ravi Shastri said Rahul deserved “full credit” for rebuilding the innings under pressure, especially after Virat Kohli’s dismissal.

“When he came, it wasn’t easy. India were 118 for four when Virat got out. The pitch had slowed up, the ball was older and softer, and two new batters were at the crease. Jadeja and Rahul were both on zero when that partnership began. To do it the way he did, full credit to him,” Shastri said.

Shastri added that once Rahul settled in, his fluency stood out.

“After he got to around 30 or 40, you could see the fluency. He started opening up and played some terrific shots.”

Rahul stitched a vital partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, anchoring the innings for nearly 30 overs and ensuring India posted a competitive total.

Ian Smith also praised Rahul’s cricketing intelligence and adaptability, highlighting his ability to bat across different positions.

“He’s a very mature cricketer. He handles situations well. We’ve seen him open, bat at six, and in between. He’s a very smart cricketer, has all the shots, and knows exactly when to release the brakes,” Smith said.

Rahul walked in with India three down for 115 and soon after saw Kohli depart for 23. Despite the pressure, he paced his innings expertly, accelerating at the right moments to finish with a commanding strike rate of 121.74.

His performance not only drew praise from former greats but also underlined his importance as a dependable middle-order batter in pressure situations.