Rahane's father Madhukar, who played kabaddi and kho kho for Ahmednagar district at the state level, revealed to mid-day that the Dharamsala win was a special gift their son gave the family on Gudi Padwa
Ajinkya Rahane. Pic/PTI
Ajinkya Rahane, India's captain in the fourth and final Test against Australia at Dharamsala, was 11 years old when a Mumbai player last led India in Test cricket. It was Sachin Tendulkar's last ever Test as skipper (vs South Africa at Bangalore in 2000) and Rahane was still getting his basics right.
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Yesterday, Rahane did his city proud by leading India to an eight-wicket win over Australia to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Madhukar Rahane
Rahane's father Madhukar, who played kabaddi and kho kho for Ahmednagar district at the state level, revealed to mid-day that the Dharamsala win was a special gift their son gave the family on Gudi Padwa.
Rahane led India due to Virat Kohli's shoulder injury. "As skipper, Ajinkya made it a memorable time for us. Winning your first Test and with it, the series makes us feel very proud. Today's delight and satisfaction is beyond words," said Rahane Sr.
Madhukar couldn't help turning back the clock to the time his son took his first steps in the game. "I still remember Ajinkya's first day at Dronacharya Cricket Academy in Dombivli. He was just eight and the coach showed Ajinkya a photograph and asked him whether he wanted to play with the player in that photograph. Ajinkya immediately said yes. The player in that photograph was none other than Sachin Tendulkar," the 54-year-old Madhukar revealed.
"On the morning of the first day of this Test, Ajinkya called my wife and me and told us that he is going to lead India in Dharamsala. He asked for our blessings," added the Mulund resident, who never imagined his son would lead the country. "I never thought he would lead India in Test cricket, but it was a sukhad dhakka (good shock) to get. Also, I did not expect him to win on debut," said Madhukar.
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