'Truly special, we really cherish these'- KL Rahul opens up after smacking century against South Africa

Stand-in team India vice-captain KL Rahul spoke about his classy hundred on day one of the Boxing Day Test match against South Africa. The right-hand batter’s unbeaten 122 helped the visitors finish the opening day on a solid 272 for three. He continued his good form in the overseas conditions and got to his sixth away ton. Rahul looked solid in defence and displayed an amazing amount of patience to grind it out in the middle.

The vice-captain saw of the first hour by leaving the balls and later displayed his wide array of strokes. While speaking about the epic hundred to BCCI after the first day’s play, Rahul labeled the achievement as ‘special.’

"I mean, it is truly special; every hundred really takes something out of you and gives you a lot of joy. There are so many emotions you go through when you score a hundred. You play and fight for 6-7 hours' those are the kind of innings that really stand out and as players, we really cherish these."

Rahul further opined that he kept things simple and did not look too far ahead. "Really happy that I could stay there not out, and it is what is expected out of me. Once I and Mayank got off to a good start, I started enjoying my batting, and I did not think too far ahead.”

Car conversations with 'Centurion' @klrahul11 🚗 🗣️

From emotions on scoring ton 💯 to forming partnerships 🤜🤛 & batting mindset 👍.

The #TeamIndia opener discusses it all after Day 1 of the 1st #SAvIND Test. 👏 - By @28anand

Full interview 🎥 🔽https://t.co/d2DooNWtrG pic.twitter.com/Y0ONWu5vQ3

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2021

Rahul put on a solid 117-run stand with Agarwal and got India off to a phenomenal start. The hosts managed to come back into the contest by removing Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. However, the South African bowlers could not dismiss Rahul.

The right-hand batter managed to frustrate the hosts by later adding unbeaten 73 runs with Ajinkya Rahane. Rahul’s efforts allowed India to drive home the advantage at stumps on day one of the Centurion Test.