Ajinkya Rahane has retired from all types of cricket, ending a remarkable profession by which he represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is. He amassed 5,077 runs in Test cricket at a median of 38.46, including 12 centuries. In ODIs, Rahane scored 2,962 runs at 35.26 with three a whole bunch, while he gathered 375 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 113.29.
Rahane can be best remembered for leading India to a historic 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21. Taking on the captaincy after India’s collapse for 36 within the Adelaide Test, he guided an injury-ravaged side featuring several kids to a remarkable series win, capped by the enduring victory at The Gabba.
Although inconsistency and a dip in form prevented Rahane from reaching the milestone of 100 Tests, he produced several unforgettable innings within the longest format. As he retires from the sport, here’s a take a look at his five best Test knocks.
#1 (188) vs Recent Zealand in Indore – October 2016
Ajinkya Rahane registered his highest Test rating of 188 against Recent Zealand within the third Test at Indore in October 2016. After winning the toss, India selected to bat first, and Rahane, coming in at No. 5, crafted an excellent 188 from 381 deliveries. His marathon 513-minute innings included 18 fours and 4 sixes, while he shared a large 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli, who scored 211.
Powered by their stand, India declared on 557/5 against a bowling attack featuring Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Mitchell Santner. Rahane remained unbeaten on 23 off 20 balls within the second innings as India sealed a commanding 321-run victory. Ravichandran Ashwin earned the Player of the Match award after taking 13 wickets in the competition.
#2 (147) vs Australia in Melbourne – December 2014
Ajinkya Rahane produced one among the best innings of his Test profession with an excellent century within the Boxing Day Test against Australia on the MCG in the course of the 2014 tour. Chasing Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 530, India responded with 465, thanks largely to Rahane’s outstanding 147 off 171 balls, an innings laced with 21 boundaries.
Rahane stitched together a vital 262-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli, who made 169. The trendy right-hander batted confidently against a formidable Australian attack featuring Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. He also displayed grit within the second innings with a beneficial 48 because the match led to a draw.
#3 (118) vs Recent Zealand in Wellington – February 2014
Ajinkya Rahane played an aesthetic century against Recent Zealand within the second Test at Wellington in February 2014. After the hosts were dismissed for 192 of their first innings, India replied with 438, with Rahane leading the charge through an excellent 118 off 158 balls. His innings featured 17 fours and a six, and he shared a vital 120-run partnership for the seventh wicket with MS Dhoni, who contributed 68.
Despite Rahane’s brilliance, the match is best remembered for Brendon McCullum’s historic triple century. The Recent Zealand captain scored a marathon 302 off 559 deliveries, while BJ Watling and James Neesham also struck centuries to assist the hosts secure a remarkable draw.
#4 (103) vs England at Lord’s – July 2014
Ajinkya Rahane enjoyed a stellar 2014, producing several memorable Test innings, including an excellent century at Lord’s within the second Test of the five-match series against England. On a pitch offering loads of assistance to the bowlers, India slumped to 145/7 before Rahane staged a remarkable fightback with a composed 103 off 154 balls.
Rahane’s crucial 90-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (36) helped India post a competitive total. His innings included 15 fours and a six before James Anderson dismissed him with a shocking return catch. India eventually sealed a famous 95-run victory, with Ishant Sharma starring with figures of seven/74 in England’s second innings.
#5 (112) vs Australia in Melbourne – December 2020
Ajinkya Rahane produced one among the defining performances of his profession by leading India to a famous eight-wicket victory over Australia within the Boxing Day Test on the MCG in 2020. Captaining India in Virat Kohli’s absence, Rahane scored an excellent 112 off 223 balls because the visitors bounced back to win the series 2-1, culminating within the famous Gabba triumph.
After being bowled out for just 36 within the Adelaide Test, India entered the Melbourne clash under immense pressure, with many doubting their possibilities without Kohli. Rahane answered those doubts with a composed and determined century, striking 12 fours as India posted 326 in reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 195, setting the muse for a memorable victory.
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