New Zealand won the toss and invited India to bat first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as the visitors ran through the top order with disciplined bowling and a measure of good fortune.
India slipped from a steady 99 for 1 to 118 for 4 before the halfway mark, with the pitch offering little pace and occasional low bounce. Batting conditions were widely described as tough on a sluggish surface.
Rahul walked in with India in trouble at 115 for 3 after 21.3 overs and proceeded to hold the innings together during the collapse.
Showing composure and intent, he compiled a gutsy 112 not out from 92 balls, striking 11 fours and a six at a strike rate in excess of 121. It marked his eighth century in ODI cricket.
Through a series of vital partnerships in the latter half of the innings, Rahul helped wrest momentum back from New Zealand and played a central role in India's recovery to 284 for 7.
"Look, I've always thought that maybe, and I could be wrong, with all the talent that he's had, he's probably been a little bit of an underachiever," Gavaskar said during the mid-innings show at Star Sports Network.
"But now I think he's coming to that, you know, space as maybe Doulie (Simom Doull) is saying, when he now, you know, has that much more confidence in himself. And therefore he's now showing them, showing the range of shots, showing the temperament.
"It is a delight to watch him, and he's got the elegance as well. I mean, when somebody's got the elegance when he plays the shots, that is that adds just to the visual pleasure."
Virat Kohli says the mindset he has carried throughout his career - trusting his instincts and refusing to be passive - has driven him to become the second-highest run-scorer in One-Day international cricket, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
India's injury list grew longer on Monday after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand, casting a shadow over preparations for next month's T20 World Cup.
ndia drew first blood in the three-match one-day international series with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday, overcoming a late wobble to chase down a target of 301 and go 1-0 up.
Proteas front-line fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the entire tour of India due to a rib bone stress injury.
