"Literally India's Swiss‑knife" - Fans laud KL Rahul's impactful 60-run knock in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI 

Team India's stand-in captain KL Rahul played an impactful role in the ODI series opener against South Africa at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, on Sunday, November 30. After the Men in Blue were asked to bat first, the keeper-batter scored 60 runs off 56 balls playing at No. 6.

Rahul took his time initially and was on 20 from 31 deliveries at one point. However, he changed gears after that, delighting the spectators with some stunning strokes.

The 33-year-old notched up his 19th ODI half-century. His innings was laced with three sixes and two fours. The Indian skipper earned widespread praise on social media for his batting exploits.

Many Indian supporters praised Rahul for his ability to perform in different roles. Here are some of the top reactions on X:

Shubham Thakur

@jadoun20

@mufaddal_vohra @klrahul The most versatile player India has right now. Give him any role and he delivers. KL Rahul = Reliability.

Swagat

@0xM0rtal

@mufaddal_vohra @klrahul Give him any role and he’ll still find a way to script a result. Captain, keeper, opener, middle order, finisher – KL Rahul is literally India’s Swiss‑knife in ODI cricket.

Anurag Singh

@Anuragthakur77

@mufaddal_vohra @klrahul He is a great asset to the team in Odi's KL Rahul is just every captains dream player to have in the team

Factual Bhai

@Factualbhai

@mufaddal_vohra @klrahul It was indeed a superb inning as hitting the ball when the ball gets old was tough today

Sujeet Suman

@sujeetsuman1991

Kl Rahul leads from the front, he never gets the credit but he always delivers.

Lordgod 🚩™

@LordGod188

From opening in Test cricket to batting at No. 6 in ODI cricket within a span of just 4 days, this is why KL Rahul is called Mr. Adaptable.

KL Rahul's knock ended in the 49th over. He was caught behind off left-arm pacer Marco Jansen's bowling on the penultimate ball.

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KL Rahul and Co. register an imposing 349-run total in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

India were under pressure after losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early. However, senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli produced superb batting displays, forming an important 136-run partnership in 109 balls for the second wicket.

While Sharma departed after scoring 57 runs off 51 deliveries, Kohli hit his 52nd ODI century. The star batter amassed 135 runs from 120 balls. With the ton, he eclipsed Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar to become the batter with the most hundreds in a single format.

Apart from KL Rahul's 60-run knock, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with a valuable cameo, contributing 32 runs off 20 balls. The hosts finished on 349/8 after 50 overs.

Notably, this was India's second-highest total against South Africa in ODI cricket. Their highest remains 401/3, which came at Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, on February 24, 2010.

Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch and Ottneil Baartman claimed two wickets each.