KL Rahul became the trouble-shooter for Team India in the second ODI against New Zealand, scored a brilliant century; Azharuddin left behind

By Samira Vishwas On Jan 14, 2026

KL Rahul ODI Century: A 3-match ODI series is being played between India and New Zealand. In the first match played in Vadodara, India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets. After that, after Kohli, Iyer and Rohit were out cheaply in the second ODI being played in Rajkot today, KL Rahul took charge and scored a brilliant century. With the help of which India’s score reached 284.

In the packed stadium at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, the spectators were expecting that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would perform brilliantly in the second ODI against New Zealand, but both the batsmen were out cheaply.

KL Rahul scored a magnificent century

In the ongoing second ODI between India and New Zealand, KL Rahul scored his eighth century in ODI when almost no Indian batsman except Shubman Gill was able to cross the 30-run mark. In the process, Rahul also left behind former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s record of centuries scored in the 50 over format.

A magnificent strike to get to the three figure mark, @klrahul was an absolute delight to watch #TeamIndia #INDvNZ #2ndODI @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/S5ECgG49XQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 14, 2026

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He left Azharuddin behind

Azharuddin was able to score only seven centuries in his ODI career of 334 matches. However, Rahul achieved this feat in only the 93rd ODI of his career. Rahul often stands up for the team in difficult times. He also became the first Indian player to score a century in ODI at this ground, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan who was earlier out on 90.

India set New Zealand a target of 285 runs

Thanks to Rahul’s brilliant innings, India scored 284 runs at the loss of seven wickets in its 50 overs, in which he remained unbeaten on 112 runs in just 92 balls. After coming to bat in the 22nd over of the innings, he hit 11 fours and one six during his innings. The pitch was turning a bit in the middle overs, so it was not easy for KL Rahul to bat in the middle. Virat Kohli also got out after scoring 23 runs immediately after batting. However, Rahul did not give up and continued his innings brilliantly.

He added 73 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja to rebuild the innings and then attacked the New Zealand bowlers in the death overs.

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Rahul became the savior for Team India

Team India’s trouble-shooter KL Rahul ensured that India put a good score on the board, which at times looked very difficult considering the bowling of the Kiwi bowlers. To win the series, India will now have to bowl well to defend the target of 285 runs. The average score of the first innings at this venue is 322, so New Zealand will be more happy right now, but they will also need someone like KL Rahul to play innings in the chase.

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