Ajinkya Rahane yet again proved he is one batsman who Indian cricket can rely on in future . His credentials in the ODI side was questioned by none other than MS Dhoni himself, but the Mumbaikar’s ability as a Test batsman has never been in doubt. With hundreds in New Zealand, England, Australia, Sri Lanka and now in India, Rahane has shown time and again that he is capable of swimming against the tide.
Be it batting an a green top at Lord’s , on a lively wicket at MCG or on a difficult wicket in Colombo, Rahane’s ability to adjust and adapt in high-pressure situations has been remarkable.
Over the years, Indian batsmen have garnered a reputation for being flat track bullies. But it cannot be labelled with Rahane who once again showed he has a class of his own .
True , scoring five tons in 22 Tests may not appear overly impressive, but what stats don’t capture is how those runs were scored on testing conditions and under immense pressure .
Rahane is quickly developing himself in the mould of his mentor in Rajasthan Royals , Rahul Dravid, who had a rock solid defence . Rahane’s century was decorated with four sixes and eleven hits to the fence which lasted for over five hours . He looked a lot relieved reaching the milestone , as he have failed to go past 15 in the ongoing series . He celebrated his maiden ton on home soil by launching off-spinner Dane Piedt over mid-wicket and long on for two sixes in three deliveries.A soft dismissal ended Rahane’s sparkling knock with the batsman driving Tahir to AB de Villiers at cover before trudging off to a rousing ovation at Kotla .