Top 5 memorable innings of Ajinkya Rahane in Test cricket

Ajinkya Rahane scored runs in conditions that tested even the world’s best batters.

Ajinkya Rahane built a reputation as one of India‘s most dependable Test batters, especially in overseas conditions. Throughout his international career, he delivered several crucial innings against quality bowling attacks, often stepping up when India found themselves under pressure.

Many of Rahane’s finest knocks came away from home, where he played a vital role in helping India post competitive totals or recover from difficult situations. His ability to perform in England, Australia and New Zealand made him a key figure in India’s Test batting lineup for more than a decade.

Rahane batted impressively over the years, achieving the milestone of scoring centuries in venues like Lord’s and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and coming up with high-pressure innings in the ICC World Test Championship final. On that note, let’s take a look at Rahane’s top five innings for India.

Five memorable innings of Ajinkya Rahane in Test cricket

5. 89 vs Australia, The Oval (2023)

Although it was not a century, Rahane’s 89 in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 final remains one of his most significant knocks. Walking in at 71/4, he built the innings with Ravindra Jadeja and later added valuable runs with Shardul Thakur. His 89 was India’s highest individual score in the first innings.

4. 118 vs New Zealand, Wellington (2014)

Rahane registered 118 in the second Test at Wellington after India had been reduced to 165/5. He stitched a crucial partnership with MS Dhoni to help India post 438 in reply to New Zealand’s 192 first innings. It was his maiden overseas Test century.

3. 112 vs Australia, Melbourne (2020)

Following the exit of Virat Kohli from the tour, Rahane led the team of India and struck a calm 112 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s second Test. It came at a time when India were bundled out for just 36 in the opening Test at Adelaide. He formed an important partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, which led to India’s recovery from a tough situation. India emerged victorious by eight wickets and levelled the series at 1-1, while Rahane was awarded the Player of the Match. Under his leadership, India then went on to win the series.

2. 147 vs Australia, Melbourne (2014)

Rahane delivered one of the stellar performances in his career when he scored 147 runs in the Test Match on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He and Kohli constructed a partnership of 262 runs for the fourth wicket after India was reduced to 147/3. Rahane’s innings included 21 fours and a six as he helped India to score 465 runs in the first innings.

1. 103 vs England, Lord’s (2014)

Rahane scored 103 in the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s after India had slipped to 145/7. His century, along with a crucial partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, helped India post 295. India went on to defeat England by 95 runs, registering their first Test win at Lord’s since 1986.

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