#OTD in 2016 | KL Rahul arrives on the ODI scene with a record-breaking debut ton

"And, he's got it! KL Rahul, take a bow! That's magnificent!" The commentator couldn't hold back his excitement as Rahul smashed a six over mid-wicket to bring up his maiden ODI hundred on debut on this day against Zimbabwe back in 2016.

KL Rahul knows a thing or two about the disappointment a player feels on missing out on his debut outing for their country. 

After all, back in 2014, the Karnataka cricketer endured a forgettable start to his international career at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as he managed just 3 & 1 across two innings in what was a high-scoring Boxing Day Test.

On June 11, 2016, Rahul earned his maiden One-day International cap for India, and he made sure that he didn't suffer the same fate as he did two years ago.

The right-hander smashed an unbeaten, typically picturesque 100 off 115 deliveries to become the first and to date only Indian batsman to rack up a three-figure score on their ODI debut.

Chasing a poultry total of 168, Rahul painted the Harare Sports Club with his imperious cuts and trademark cover drives.

He added 161 runs for the second wicket with Ambati Rayudu. He got to his ton with a disdainful six-over mid-wicket off Hamilton Masakadza when just two runs were needed for victory.

This was, of course, after the Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian attack knocked over the home sides' batting line-up for 168. Bumrah, who made his debut in Australia earlier that year, claimed 4/28 in 9.5 overs, while Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran claimed two apiece.

Coming back to Rahul, the right-hander has come a long way since making his debut in the format six years ago.

He was a victim of constant chop and change during 2017-19 as India grappled with finding a middle-order batter. With Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma occupying the opening spots, Rahul had to adjust his game as per the demands and convert himself into a middle-order batsman- the most challenging job in the format.

He struggled to nail the No.4 spot in limited opportunities between 2017-19. Still, He was entrusted with the responsibility at the 2019 World Cup before getting pushed to the opening spot following an injury to Dhawan.

Though not at his fluent best, Rahul did an admirable job in the World Cup as he finished his campaign with 361 runs in 9 innings at an average of 45.12 with the help of a couple of half-centuries and a hundred.

But, it's fair to say that Rahul has really come into his own as an ODI batsman post the World Cup.