India put up a competitive 284 for 7 in the second ODI against New Zealand at Rajkot, riding on a composed and high-quality unbeaten century from KL Rahul (112)* and a fluent half-century by Shubman Gill (56). On a surface that offered value for shots but demanded discipline, India’s innings was a story of recovery, control, and smart acceleration rather than all-out dominance.
After being asked to bat, India’s top order faced early challenges from New Zealand’s seamers, who bowled with good discipline in the powerplay. The ball held up just enough to keep stroke-making in check, and India were forced to work hard for runs in the opening phase. Gill, however, looked in fine touch from the start. Confident on the front foot and decisive against anything loose, he set the tempo with crisp drives and well-timed pulls.
Gill’s 56 was built on timing rather than power. He rotated the strike efficiently and punished gaps rather than boundaries alone, ensuring India stayed on course through the middle overs. His dismissal came just as he was looking set to push on, denying him a bigger score but still providing India with a solid platform.
The innings truly found its backbone in KL Rahul. Walking in under mild pressure, Rahul initially played the role of stabiliser. He assessed conditions carefully, respected the good balls, and allowed the innings to breathe. As wickets fell around him, Rahul’s value grew. His ability to bat deep and control tempo became crucial, especially as New Zealand tightened their lines through the middle overs.
Rahul’s century was a lesson in modern ODI batting. He didn’t rush the milestone or chase strike-rate optics. Instead, he picked his moments — accelerating late once he was set and once he had a clear sense of what the pitch allowed. His shot selection was measured: classical drives against pace, clever placement against spin, and calculated boundary-hitting at the death.
Importantly, Rahul found support when it mattered. While no other batter crossed fifty, short but purposeful contributions ensured momentum wasn’t completely lost. India’s lower middle order helped Rahul push the total beyond 270, which felt vital on a ground known for successful chases.
New Zealand’s bowlers did well to avoid a complete run-away innings. They mixed pace effectively and used the larger boundaries smartly, particularly in the final overs. Still, Rahul’s composure ensured India finished strongly rather than limping to the end.
At 284/7, India had a score that reflected balance — not overpowering, but clearly competitive. The innings highlighted Rahul’s growing stature as a dependable ODI anchor and Gill’s continued evolution as a top-order mainstay. While India may have hoped for another 15–20 runs, the foundation laid by Rahul’s unbeaten 112 ensured they entered the second innings with confidence.
In context, this was an innings built on clarity rather than chaos — and one that underlined why Rahul remains such a critical piece in India’s ODI puzzle.
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