5 reasons why Ajinkya Rahane’s calm shines amidst the storm
‘Aggression through action, not words’ was the mantra young Ajinkya picked up when he was learning karate. Earning a black belt not only bolstered him physically but also made him mentally stronger. He honed the same traits in mastering another sport – cricket. Ajinkya Rahane is currently the Indian Test team’s vice-captain and one of our most dependable batsmen. In an age where being humble is an anomaly, Rahane has accumulated tremendous success in his nine-year-old international career.
So, what makes the unassuming and quiet Ajinkya Rahane stand out?
Prolific performance in World Test Championship
India sit pretty at the top of the World Test Championship points table with seven victories in nine matches. One of the major contributors to that success has been Rahane’s batting form in the middle order. In fact, he struck India’s first-ever century in the Championship. His knocks of 81 and 102 in Antigua saw him earn the Man of the Match award in India’s first WTC victory. Rahane is currently India’s second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 715 runs to his credit. Moreover, he averages 59.58 and has celebrated two centuries and five half-centuries in nine matches.
Battling in difficult conditions
One of the most formidable teams at home, India have never had batting issues playing on the subcontinental tracks. It is their performance on the overseas pitches that has remained a defining characteristic for the Indian Test batsmen. In that aspect, Rahane’s numbers are mind-boggling. He is one of the few batsmen who average higher away than at home. In 2014 alone, he celebrated hundreds at Lord’s, Melbourne and Wellington. His contributions in India’s away Test wins are significant. Since his debut in 2013, he has added 1,170 runs in India’s 14 overseas Test victories – the most by any Indian batsman and only second to Steve Smith across the world (with respect to most runs in away Test victories).
Captaincy reign
His calm demeanour and mature behaviour have seen Rahane lead India in all three formats. He enjoys a 100% winning record in both Tests and ODIs. On 25th March 2017, he became India’s 33rd Test captain as India went on to defeat Australia in Dharamsala. Rahane later led the nation in the historic Test match against Afghanistan in Bangalore. His gesture of calling up the Afghan team for a joint photo in the post-match presentation was lauded across the cricketing world.
Sharp fielder
For a spinner, especially bowling on the Indian tracks, a trustworthy slip fielder is vital. India have had a tradition of great slip fielders that was carried forward by Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Rahane has continued in the same vein. Some of his grabs in the close in-field have baffled not only the opposition but also his own teammates. He also holds the world record of taking most catches in a Test match by a fielder. He achieved this feat against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2015 when he took 8 catches across 2 innings.
The perfect team-player
Despite being such a high-profile cricketer, Rahane has steered clear of controversy. In fact, he has been praised in the media for his social work. His genuine nature is reflected on the ground. Being the perfect team-man, Rahane enjoys the success of his teammates as much as his own. He also has a penchant for stringing long-standing partnerships. He has been a part of five 200-plus partnerships for the fourth wicket in Tests. The most memorable of them being the 365-run partnership with Virat Kohli at Indore against New Zealand in 2016.
