AFP, Mumbai :
KL Rahul pushed his case for an India World Cup call-up as he struck his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century for Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.
Rahul, who was kicked off India’s tour of Australia in January with teammate Hardik Pandya over sexist remarks, made an unbeaten 100 off 64 deliveries.
He plundered 54 from the final three overs, including 25 off one from Pandya, but his effort was in vain as Punjab went down to hosts Mumbai Indians by three wickets in the Twenty20 tournament.
Rahul’s knock comes at an opportune time with the Indian selectors scheduled on Monday to announce their squad for the 50-over showpiece event in England and Wales beginning next month.
Rahul, who recently admitted to having doubts about himself after being sent home from Australia, hit six fours and six sixes as he surpassed his previous IPL best of 94.
He is the fourth batsman this IPL season so far to score a hundred after Indian Sanju Samson, England’s Jonny Bairstow and Australia’s David Warner.
“I like him as a batsman. He has got great technique, he has got a lot of style,” said West Indies batting great Brian Lara on Star Sports.
