Watch: What is meaning of KL Rahul’s whistle celebration after century in IND vs NZ 2nd ODI?

In an afternoon against New Zealandwhere most of the spectators at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot turned up to special innings from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India’s crisis man, KL Rahul, turned up and rescued the home side to a respectable total during the second ODI as the blue brigade hope to earn a victory and make it the fifth successive successful defense in the format at this ground.

When KL Rahul walked into the middle, India were 115 for the loss of three wickets in the 22nd over before they soon were reduced to 118 for the loss of Virat Kohli. The pitch started to play its trick as the spinners got the grip off the track to create trouble for the batters to score aggressive shots.

That was when Rahul showed his patience, understood the situation, and celebrated his eighth ODI century in just 87 deliveries. The right-handed batter cleared his front leg to nail Kyle Jamieson over the long-on region for a massive six to reach the landmark.

KL Rahul celebrates century with whistle during IND vs NZ 2nd ODI

Soon after reaching the three-figure mark, Rahul took off his helmet and seemed to be whistling as he waved his bat. Even though the reason isn’t confirmed, it seemed like he dedicated this century to his daughter. He did the same for his young daughter, Ivra. On scoring a Test century against the West Indies in October last year, he celebrated the milestone with his baby girl and wife, Athiya Shetty.

Watch the video here:

The second score after Rahul’s unbeaten 112 runs, thanks to 11 boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 121.74, remains Shubman Gill’s 56 runs in 53 balls, thanks to nine boundaries and one six. Apart from those two, most of the batters got their start but couldn’t capitalize on the innings and make it a big one.

For the Black Caps, Kristian Clarke was the peak of the bowlers with three wickets in his 8-over spell, even after being expensive for 56 runs. Their captain, Michael Bracwell, was excellent for his economical spell of 1/34 in his ten overs as India reached 284 for the loss of seven wickets in their 50 overs.

Brief Scores: India 284/7 (KL Rahul 112*, Shubman Gill 56, Kristian Clarke 3/56) vs New Zealand.