Ajinkya Rahane made a terrific comeback to the Indian Test side in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at the Oval in London. Returning to the red-ball side after 18 months, Rahane shined with the bat, especially during India’s first innings.
After being asked to bat first, Australia posted a massive 469 runs in their first innings, with Steve Smith and Travis Head scoring stunning hundreds. Following this, the Australian bowlers hurt India big time after the top order was removed early, and India was reduced to 71/4.
Then Rahane came into action and first added 71 runs with Ravindra Jadeja before forming a 109-run partnership with Shardul Thakur (51 off 109) for the seventh wicket. However, the Aussies still managed to take a massive 173-run first-innings lead by bundling out India for 296. Rahane fell short of what could be a dazzling century by 11 runs as he scored 89 off 129 balls.
While batting, Rahane endured a painful moment when a bouncer from Pat Cummins hit his right hand’s index finger. He got treatment from the physio on the field before continuing to bat. Radhika, Rahane’s wife, has recently disclosed that despite the team management’s insistence, Rahane chose not to undergo a scan on his finger following the impact and opted to carry on batting after receiving initial treatment. Radhika further expressed that her husband’s remarkable team spirit inspired her and left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
“Despite your swollen finger, you refused a scan to protect your mindset and focused on batting, displaying incredible selflessness and determination. With unwavering resilience and commitment, you took your place at the crease, inspiring us all. I’m forever proud of your unwavering team spirit, my resilient partner. Love you endlessly!” wrote Radhika on Instagram.
Notably, Rahane continued from where he left in India’s second innings. He and Virat Kohli have added 71 runs for the fourth wicket in India’s pursuit of a massive 444-run chase. At stumps on Day 4, Rahane is unbeaten on 20 while Kohli is not out on 44. India will enter the final day, requiring 280 runs to win the WTC Final.
