We all know Ajinkya Rahane is very delightful to watch when he is at his best. His strokeplay not only pleases, but it captivates you. On 31 August 2011, Ajinkya Rahane made his debut for India in a T20 at Old Trafford. Straightaway, he announced himself on international arena with a swashbuckling 61 off 39. Here is a look at his top 5 innings in International Cricket.
5. 38* vs Australia at Sydney
Yes, you read it right! I know I”m being a bit controversial here, but believe me guys this was one of the best innings by Rahane in the sense it helped India save the Sydney Test.This innings is lot more valuable than a hundred on a flat pitch vs weak bowling attack. Chasing 350, It was 178/3 when Rahane walked in to bat. Suddenly India lost of flurry of wickets and were staring down the barrel at 217/7. With Starc, Hazlewood and Ryan Harris steaming in with new ball, the match was completely in Australia”s favour. But Rahane should immense grit and determination to survive the remaining overs and remained unbeaten on 38* off 88 balls.
– by Atharva Apte
4. 106* vs England at Edgbaston
Ajinkya”s first ODI hundred! A finger injury to Rohit Sharma gave Rahane an opportunity to bat at top of the order in ODI series vs England in 2014. It was 4th ODI at Edgbaston. Bowlers had done exceedingly well to restrict England to 206. Rahane seized the moment quite brilliantly with 106* off 100 balls with 4 sixes. India won by 9 wickets & won the series 3-1. This innings was instrumental in Rahane cementing his spot in ODI team for 2015 world cup.
3. 61* vs England at Old Trafford
In his T20 debut, Rahane opened with Parthiv Patel and got India off to a flier smashing 61 off just 39 balls. He was well supported by his mentor Rahul Dravid who scored 31 off 18 balls hitting 3 consecutive sixes. Unfortunately it ended up on losing side. His innings had class, sheer elegance that talked about what this man can do when he is in full flow.
2. 147 vs Australia at Melbourne
In the Boxing Day 2014, Australia scored 530 batting first. India had their tasks cut out on a flat pitch. Virat and Rahane batted brilliantly sharing a partnership of 262 runs. Rahane contributed 147. This is Rahane’s highest score in test cricket so far. His 48 in the second innings was crucial in India saving the test match.
1. 103 vs England at The Lord”s
It was an innings of class, an innings that later proved to be a match-winning one. After being put into bat by the hosts, Indian innings was in shambles at 145/7 before Rahane and Bhuvaneshwar stitched a crucial 90-run stand and helped India double the score. Ajinkya Rahane got his name on Lord”s honour board with a magnificent 103 off 154. An innings to remember for years to come!!
– by Atharva Apte