Team India began their tour of South Africa on Sunday after dominating the hosts with 272/3 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test in Centurion.
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal of Karnataka outplayed the Proteas bowlers in their 117-run opening stand before Mayank was caught behind by Lungi Ngidi.
But Rahul didn't stop there, and he continued his excellent form against the red ball to score his seventh Test century, becoming the second Indian opener after Wasim Jaffer to do so in South Africa.
Rahul remained unbeaten on 122, while opening partner Mayank Agarwal was dismissed on 60. Ajinkya Rahane, who had been chastised for his batting form, found some rhythm in his 81-ball 40*.
Rahul said he enjoyed his innings after a strong start and was surprised that he was able to keep his cool throughout.
“It is truly special, every hundred really takes something out of you and gives you joy. There are so many emotions you go through when you score a hundred. You bat for 6-7 hours, those are the kind of innings that stand out and as players, we really cherish these. This is what is expected out of me. Once I got off to a good start, I started enjoying my batting and I did not think too far ahead,” Rahul told BCCI.TV.
“Preparation has been really good, all the batters that batted on Day 1 were really focused. I just try to stay in the moment when I am out there in the middle. I have surprised myself with how calm I have been, my focus has always been to stay in the moment and react to the ball that is bowled. Really happy that I could finish the day on a good note,” he added.
