31 July,2026 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Rohan Koli
Ajinkya Rahane
Following India's dramatic collapse of 36 all out in the series opener against Australia, Ajinkya Rahane led from the front in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli to keep the visitors' hopes alive in the four-match series. The then 32-year-old scored a patient knock, 112 off 223 balls, against a high-quality pace attack, helping India take a 131-run first innings lead that laid the foundation for an eight-wicket win.
Rahane walked in with India at 147-3 after Australia had posted 530 in the first innings. The Mumbaikar played with breathtaking fluidity, taking on pacers Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood himself to relieve the pressure. His 147 off just 171 balls, laced with 21 fours, propelled India to 465, and played a key role in saving the third Test.
Rahane registered his highest Test score of 188 in the third and final Test in Indore. Coming in at 100-3, he spent more than eight hours and faced 381 deliveries to take India to a mammoth 557-5 declared and set up a 321-run series-sweeping victory.
