Yes, no matter Rohit Sharma has hit the double ton in the third Test against South Africa in Ranchi. No matter, he is in sublime form as the HitMan also thrashed century in the first Test against the Proteas. No matter he is cementing his place as the opening batsman in the whites too. But complementing innings of Rohit Sharma for his brilliant innings have we forgotten Ajinkya Rahane’s 115 against the Proteas.
When India lost three wickets in the first innings of the third Test in Ranchi, it was Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma who took the responsibility. At the strike rate of 80, Rohit was scoring runs whereas, with the strike rate of 60, Jinx made his bat do the talk. Rahane ended a three-year wait for a Test hundred at home when the India vice-captain went past the 3-figure mark. Ajinkya is that small board of firecrackers that often goes unnoticed because it is surrounded by so called jazzier, more expensive crackers. He doesn’t like to rest on his laurels though. There is always the next step to conquer. The question here I want to ask is are we over-looking or not paying enough attention towards him?
He has talent, no doubt about it. But, just like Rohit, lack of consistency was there. Now he seems to have matured in to a dependable player. He has also demonstrated capability to score quickly. He should now be a serious contender for a spot in white ball team as well.
Having said that, the problem with Indian batsmen is performance in TINA land. Let’s wait for him and Rohit to make it big there.
The key is He & Rohit got enough chances. The potential was always there. Now, India needs to do the same with Shaw, Pant, Gill brigade. We have also invested enough in K L Rahul, let’s give him some time too. Mayank also needs persistent selection after late chance he got.
Rahane displayed some stunning counter-attack to the South African bowlers. He stroked 17 fours and one six during his 115 runs off 192 balls. The SA series has brought to light some great players who were labelled for particular formats. Consistency and touring performances will be the real test for these guys in future.
I’ve always been an admirer of Anjinkya Rahane and his timing. He has that flair of Rahul Dravid and times the ball to perfection. Although despite being the vice captain he struggled to get his form right and turn the 50’s to century. BCCI must keep faith in him and give him enough time to settle. Coming to White Ball cricket, I personally think he has all the qualities in him to cement a place as the perfect No.4 batsmen.
Rahane has an unusual world record - Rahane has 200 partnerships in 61 tests played where neither him nor his partner was run out!
Rahane’s 267-run stand with double ton hitman on Sunday was his 200th partnership in Test cricket without ever being involved in a run out, which is a record.
