Ajinkya Rahane has consistently been India’s reliable performer in overseas conditions. Despite the team management initially overlooking his credentials, there has never been any doubt about his skill and temperament.
Whether it was his remarkable comeback with a century in Melbourne during the 2020-21 series, his century at Lord’s in 2014, or his century in Wellington in the previous series, Rahane has always risen to the occasion when the team needed him most. While other prominent batters may have struggled, Rahane stood tall.
His innings of 89 at The Oval in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final will likely be regarded as one of his finest. His determination and ability gave India a chance to fight back in the match.
Rahane transformed his game in the recently-concluded IPL 2023 after working with Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), capturing the attention of selectors. With Suryakumar Yadav yet to make an impact in the longest format and Shreyas Iyer sidelined due to surgery, Rahane proved to be the ideal choice for the No.5 position.
During his innings at The Oval, Rahane displayed his trademark style – initially cautious, gaining confidence, and gradually showing aggression. He excelled in playing off the backfoot and displayed exquisite timing, particularly with his productive cover drives.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has heaped praises on Rahane during his interview for the ICC Digital.
“He has made the most of his opportunity and that is all you can do,” Ponting was quoted as saying to the ICC.
“I think there are two more Test matches in the West Indies after this before [KL] Rahul and [Shreyas] Iyer are back, so he has got a real opportunity to prolong his Test career for another couple of years.”
Rahane got the opportunity to work under the guidance of Ponting during his time with Delhi Capitals (DC). The Aussie legend acknowledged that he was instantly impressed by the attitude displayed by the seasoned right-handed batsman.
“He is a lovely guy and a mild-mannered guy and someone who is one of the most disciplined cricketers I have ever worked with,” Ponting added.
“He is always the first one at training and he is always the first one at the gym doing his recovery and rehab.
“I am really happy to see him back out there and playing and when you see him play like that (against Australia) you just wonder why he hasn’t been in this India team for the last couple of years.
“Isn’t it amazing now in this modern game. He probably got back into this Indian Test team on the back of some performances in the IPL, so well played to him.”
