Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: KL Rahul Aims for Historic Boxing Day Hat-Trick as Tendulkar and Kohli’s Legacy Looms Large
KL Rahul has a chance to become the first Indian batter with three Boxing Day Test centuries, adding to his stellar form in the ongoing series. While cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli boast enviable records against Australia, Rahul’s opportunity to leave a unique mark at the MCG presents an exciting narrative.
The Boxing Day Test has always held a special place in cricketing history, and this year, all eyes are on KL Rahul as he stands on the brink of a unique achievement. With centuries in his previous two Boxing Day Tests – 123 against South Africa in 2021 and 101 against the same opponents in 2023, Rahul now has the opportunity to etch his name in history with a third consecutive ton. No Indian batter, not even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar or the prolific Virat Kohli, has managed this feat.
Tendulkar’s Boxing Day journey began in 1991 and spanned a decade, with highlights including back-to-back centuries against New Zealand and Australia in 1998 and 1999. His 10 appearances yielded 636 runs, yet inconsistency marred his otherwise stellar career in these iconic fixtures. Similarly, Kohli, with 540 runs in six Boxing Day Tests, has delivered memorable performances, including his 169-run masterpiece at the MCG in 2014.
For Rahul, the MCG carries personal significance. It was here he debuted in 2014 but fell short of expectations. Fast forward to present time, and Rahul is India’s leading batter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, averaging 47 with two fifties.
As Rahul prepares for this monumental challenge, his journey from a debutant to a potential record-setter underscores his determination and ambition despite of multiple setbacks he faces in his career, promising a thrilling contest against a formidable Australian attack.
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