Rajkot, Jan 14 (UNI) KL Rahul’s true value in One-Day Internationals is increasingly being felt in the final phase of an innings, and his unbeaten century against New Zealand on Wednesday was another reminder of how decisive he has become when the pressure peaks.
Rahul finished with an unhurried 112 not out to bring up his eighth ODI hundred at the Niranjan Shah Stadium here, once again taking control when it mattered most. The milestone arrived in emphatic fashion as Kyle Jamieson strayed onto Rahul’s pads with a full toss, which the right-hander calmly stepped across to dispatch over long-on for six. Helmet off and bat raised, Rahul acknowledged the moment with quiet confidence.
India were in some trouble at 118 for 4, but Rahul’s presence immediately brought stability. He resisted the urge to force the pace early, worked the gaps and waited for the right moments to accelerate, guiding the innings deep before taking charge in the closing overs.
His recent run underlines that finishing role. Rahul’s last four ODI scores now stand at 60, 66 not out, 29 not out and 112 not out. Against New Zealand, his numbers are even more striking — 469 runs from 10 innings at an average of 93.8 and a strike rate of 111.13, including two centuries and a fifty, with Wednesday’s unbeaten 112 his highest score.
The impact is clearest in the death overs. Since 2025, Rahul has scored the most ODI runs in overs 41 to 50 among Full Member teams, collecting 283 runs at a strike rate of 140.09. He leads a list that features Glenn Phillips (244 runs), Janith Liyanage (201), Justin Greaves (194) and Corbin Bosch (162), reflecting his growing authority at the back end.
With matches increasingly decided in the final ten overs, Rahul’s composure and finishing ability are quietly turning him into one of India’s most valuable ODI batters.
