Contributed by: Yashwanth kumar
Ajinkya Rahane has established himself as a linchpin of the Indian Test team, particularly with his remarkable batting performances in overseas matches. Rahane’s contributions to the Indian Test side over the years have been significant, making him a vital asset in the team’s success on foreign soil. Rahane was dropped from the team in 2021 due to poor batting performance. But his comeback in the whites after 500+ days is remarkable. He played an exceptional knock at Oval in the WTCFINAL. Throughout his career, Rahane’s reliability in overseas Test matches has been truly commendable.His performances in hostile environments, against the swing of England, the pace of Australia, Bounce of South Africa, or the spin of Sri Lanka, have consistently showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar conditions. Here is the list of top 10 batting performances by him in Test Career.
1. 112 vs Australia at Melbourne
Rahane’s century at Melbourne in Australia, in the absence of Virat Kohli, was a defining moment in his career as a leader. Stepping up to the challenge, he showcased exceptional leadership and resilience. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, Rahane’s century was a display of determination and composure. He scored 112 runs in this match. India won this historic test match in BGT 2021.
2. 147 vs Australia at Melbourne
In the 2014 Test match against Australia in Melbourne, a young Ajinkya Rahane stepped up and delivered a sensational performance. Batting at number five, Rahane displayed remarkable maturity and skill in a crucial Boxing Day Test. This inning marked the beginning of Rahane’s journey as the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup. His knock of 147 at Melbourne will be remembered as one of the finest performances by a young Indian batsman in overseas conditions.
3. 103 vs Englang at Lords
Ajinkya Rahane’s innings of 103 against England at Lord’s in 2014 remains etched in cricketing history. It was a challenging pitch, with overcast conditions and a potent English bowling attack testing the Indian batsmen. Rahane’s knock of 103 was a testament to his mental fortitude and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. His innings played a crucial role in India’s triumph at Lord’s, ending a 28-year-long victory drought at the venue.
4. 89 vs Australia at Oval
Rahane rescued Team India in the WTC Final 2023. When the team was struggling at 71/4, he etched an incredible partnership with Jaddu. Later on, his 100+ runs partnership with Lord Shardul brought India back into the game. He came back the after more than 500 days. He showed his class in this knock. This knock will be remembered for ages.
5. 118 vs New Zealand at Wellington
Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliant innings of 118 against New Zealand in Wellington was a testament to his resilience and determination. The match was played on a challenging pitch with the conditions favoring the New Zealand bowlers. His innings was characterized by excellent judgment outside the off-stump. His contribution was instrumental in India’s success in the match, ultimately resulting in a hard-fought draw.
6. 102 vs West Indies at Antigua
Ajinkya Rahane’s outstanding innings of 109 against West Indies in 2019 was a testament to his class and temperament. His century provided a solid foundation for India’s total and helped set up a dominant victory. Rahane’s innings was characterized by his ability to build partnerships and control the tempo of the game. He scored 81 in the same match too.
7. 132 vs Sri Lanka at Colombo
Ajinkya Rahane’s magnificent innings of 132 against Sri Lanka in Colombo will be remembered as one of his finest knocks. Rahane’s partnership with the pujara was crucial in building India’s total. He played with authority, finding the gaps and rotating the strike effectively. This inning further established Rahane’s credentials as a player who can excel on challenging pitches, against high-quality opposition. Rahane admitted that it was his best knock against spinners.
8. 96 vs South Africa at Durban
Rahane showed tremendous composure and technique to counter the relentless pace and swing of the South African bowlers. Rahane’s innings was marked by his ability to counter the short ball, pulling and hooking with precision and control. despite losing partners at regular intervals, Rahane anchored the innings and played a responsible role for the team.
9. 81 vs Australia at Brishbane
Ajinkya Rahane played a crucial innings of 81 runs against Australia in Brisbane in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014. Rahane’s stroke selection was impeccable, as he played both attacking shots and judiciously defended against a potent Australian bowling attack. His ability to counter the Australian pace and bounce demonstrated his technical prowess. he displayed great composure and concentration, not allowing the hostile Australian bowling to disrupt his rhythm.
10. 81 vs England at Nottingham
Ajinkya Rahane exhibited his class with gritty innings of 81 runs against England at Nottingham, facing the formidable duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Rahane’s innings showcased his ability to adapt to challenging conditions, as he faced the swing and seam movement generated by Broad and Anderson. he counter-attacked when necessary, playing some exquisite strokes to put pressure back on the English bowlers. Rahane and Kohli’s set the foundation for India’s strong position in the match, laying the platform for a commanding victory.
