Indian cricket star KL Rahul has made world cricket history with a special batting record during the second One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Rajkot, cementing his name among the modern greats of the sport.
In this historic match, Rahul scored an unbeaten 112 runs, achieving several unique milestones that no other Indian batter — including legends like MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant — has accomplished so far.
KL Rahul Shatters Records in Rajkot Thriller
KL Rahul turned hero for India with a brilliant unbeaten 112 against New Zealand in the second ODI on January 13, 2026, at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. This knock didn't just help India post 284/7 – it etched his name in world cricket history by breaking MS Dhoni's long-held mark.
Fans buzzed online as Rahul became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to hit an ODI ton against the Black Caps. At 33, the Karnataka star showed why he's a clutch player, steering the team from 115/3 to a winning total.
KL Rahul Breaks MS Dhoni Record
Picture this: India wobbling at 115/3 after losing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and soon Virat Kohli. Rahul walks in at number five, faces six dot balls, then unleashes. He built a steady 73-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja (27), then powered on with Nitish Kumar Reddy.
His 112 off 92 balls – with 11 fours and a six – topped Dhoni's 84* from 2009 in Napier. No Indian keeper had crossed 50 against NZ in ODIs before this. Rahul sealed his eighth ODI hundred off 87 balls, smashing a full toss from Kyle Jamieson into the stands.
This wasn't luck. Rahul matched his personal ODI best, proving his grit in tricky conditions where NZ bowlers struck often. The stadium, new to big ODI tons, now has Rahul as its pioneer.
First Indian Keeper Century vs New Zealand
Ever wonder what makes this feat special? Before Rahul, MS Dhoni owned the top score for Indian keepers vs NZ – that 84* stood for 17 years. Rahul's blast now lists like this:
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Rahul's knock came when India needed an anchor. He shifted gears late, adding quick runs to push the total. NZ chased but fell short, handing India a series edge.espncricinfo+1
Niranjan Shah Stadium Makes History
Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium saw its first ODI century – by Rahul, of course. Over 108 runs? He's the world-first there too. The ground, buzzing with 25,000 fans, erupted as he reached three figures.
India's total of 284/7 proved tough. NZ started strong but Rahul's platform forced errors. This venue, hosting ODIs since recently, now links forever to Rahul's magic.
Rahul's Form Fire in Jan 2026 ODIs
Hot off the first ODI in Vadodara on Jan 10, where Rahul's unbeaten 29 off 21 (2x4, 1x6) sealed a four-wicket win. Chasing 250+, he exploded in the 49th over.
Across both games, Rahul aggregated 141* runs. Before NZ, he notched fifties vs South Africa at home in 2025. Consistent? Absolutely – eighth ton in 252 ODIs.
Early Days: From Opener to Keeper Legend
KL Rahul, born April 18, 1992, in Bangalore, started as a top-order dynamo. Debuted in 2014 T20Is vs UAE, then Tests in 2018. Fastest to ODI, Test, T20I hundreds – in 20 innings!
Switched to keeping in 2021, thriving. World Cup 2023: key batter. IPL star with LSG, now a white-ball mainstay. Off field, married to actress Athiya Shetty since 2023.
His style? Elegant drives, solid defense. Weakness? Early nerves, but Rajkot showed growth.
Full Innings Breakdown: Ball-by-Ball Highlights
Rahul entered at 115/4 (24th over). First runs: nudged single. Built tempo:
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Overs 25-30: 20 runs, Jadeja partnership blooms.
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Overs 31-40: 40 runs, rotates strike amid wickets.
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Overs 41-49: 52 runs, including hundred off Jamieson full toss.
Ended 112* (92 balls, SR 121.73). Partners fell, but he stood tall. NZ's bowlers – Jamieson, Santner – couldn't dislodge him.
Stats deep dive: 9 boundaries (sources vary slightly on count), 1 six. Faced quality spin and pace on turning track.
Impact on India-NZ Series Jan 2026
Second ODI win puts India 2-0 up? Wait for third in [venue TBD]. NZ tour: three ODIs, started strong for hosts. Rahul's form eyes series sweep.
Broader context: Post Champions Trophy, India rebuilds. Rohit-Kohli era evolves, Rahul anchors middle order. NZ, rebuilding post-Williamson, tested here.
Fan Reactions and Social Storm
Twitter exploded: "Rahul > Dhoni vs NZ keepers!" Trends: #KL Rahul Century, #IndVsNZ. Harbhajan Singh tweeted praise, memes of Dhoni smiling.
In Rajkot, kids waved Rahul posters. Global fans: "Keeper-batter king!" Engagement spiked – 1M+ views on highlights.
Comparing Rahul's ODIs vs Top Teams
Rahul shines selectively:
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NZ ton unique – first keeper feat.
KL Rahul Stats Deep Dive
ODI Career (to Jan 2026): 252 inns, 6,500+ runs, 8x100, Avg 48.
Vs NZ: Now leads keepers. Test: 4,000+ runs. T20I: 2,000+.
Powerplay mastery, death-over flair.
Not Kohli or Rohit! KL Rahul Creates a World Record No One Else Has@klrahul @BCCI @ICC #INDVSNZODI #Cricket #CricketTwitter #CricketNews #KLRahul𓃵 https://t.co/tJQ8Rr77DP
— VYGR | News App (@Vygrofficial) January 15, 2026
Match Context: India vs NZ Full Story
NZ tour 2026: Post-SA series. First ODI: India chased 250+. Second: Rahul's day. Third looms.
Scorecard snippet:
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Final Thoughts: History in Motion
From Bangalore boy to world-beater, KL Rahul's journey inspires. His 112* isn't just stats – it's heart, hustle, and history. Stay tuned; cricket's next twist stars him. What's your favorite Rahul memory? Share below!
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