During several decades, Indian star batter Ajinkya Rahane has remained among the Indian Test team’s finest batsmen. In the longest format of the game, the Mumbai-born cricketer produced several indispensable match-winning performances. He was back in the team during the WTC Final and produced a sensational knock against the Pat Cummins-led Australian side. Notably, the 35-year-old has been appointed vice captain for the upcoming West Indies tour. Here are Ajinkya Rahane’s finest three performances in Test Cricket.
1. 147 runs against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground
This was the most memorable knock by Ajinkya Rahane, as the Mumbai-born cricketer fought up to preserve the India squad and contribute to the match’s draw after the hosts accumulated a massive score of 530 runs in the opening innings, which put visitors in danger of losing. In reply to that, Indian captain Virat Kohli (169) and Rahane (147 runs off 171 balls) combined for a 262-run partnership stand.
2. 112 runs against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground
As the Border Gavaskar Trophy was contested in Melbourne in 2021, the magnificent middle-order batter produced one of his most exquisite Test knocks. Later, after the match, the stylish right-handed batter considered this a special series. During the second Test against Australia, Ajinkya Rahane, the interim Test captain, impressively attained the century mark (112 from 223 balls). His excellent innings contained 12 boundaries. The visitors finally scored 326 runs in the first inning, which gave the Indians the confidence they needed to win at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground against an explosive Australian side.
3. 118 runs against New Zealand at Wellington
The 35-year-old had faced New Zealand in 2014 and put together his most difficult and finest inning. India drew their Test match in a significant way as a consequence of Rahane’s heroics. In bowler-friendly conditions, the right-handed batter played at the 7th position and quickly hammered a stunning century. Rahane produced 118 runs in 158 deliveries at a strike rate of 74.68, bringing India in from their first innings when they were six wickets down to an eventual total of 438 in the intense encounter against New Zealand. However, a draw was the final result of the contest.