Ajinkya Rahane on his way towards 100. (Picture Courtesy - BCCI)

XtraTime Web Desk - After the humiliation in the hands of Australia at Adelaide, Indian team had to put up a strong fight in the boxing day test match. The stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane stepped up and proved it to everyone that this team India isn't Virat dependent.

The morning session belonged to Australia after the Aussies managed to get the wickets of Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari. Out of them, Shubman Gill's innings will definitely boost his confidence and the young lad showed that he's a force to reckon with. He scored 45 of 65 deliveries.

Another youngster, Rishabh Pant looked promising but yet again failed to convert his start into a big one. The left hander got out at 29 and then Ravindra Jadeja came to bat.

Ajinkya Rahane and Jadeja brought up a 100 run partnership that put India into a very good position. Ajinkya Rahane delivered in the absence of Virat Kohli and his 104* after day two will be one of the best knocks he played in test cricket. Jadeja was the perfect partner he needed. He's currently batting on 40 and if this two sticks around, India will be in a very comfortable place in day three.

Picture Courtesy - BCCI

After a lot of debate happened whether or not India can perform without Virat Kohli. However, Ajinkya Rahane and his boys silenced all the critics by performing in the pitch. India now has 277 runs on board with the loss of 5 wickets. Currently, the team is leading by 82 runs and a hundred more on board will solidify their position in the driving seat.

A gritty knock from Ajinkya Rahane kept India in the driving seat