Rahane's patience bore fruit and he made the most of the chances that came his way in the two-Test series which India lost to South Africa yesterday
Ajinkya Rahane had been travelling with the Indian team for the past couple of years but was rarely given a decent run in the playing XI. However, his patience bore fruit and he made the most of the chances that came his way in the two-Test series which India lost to South Africa yesterday.
Ajinkya Rahane en route his 96 against South Africa yesterday
Rahane hit 47 and 15 in the Johannesburg Test, and followed it up with a fighting 51 and 96 here. And it was his courage that impressed everyone who saw him bat. “Ajinkya Rahane will go a long way and he will score heavily in international cricket from now,” said Ravi Shastri who is here as a commentator.
The former all-rounder felt Rahane should be promoted to the No 5 spot in the forthcoming series against New Zealand.
Indian skipper MS Dhoni said: “He spent a lot of time on the bench. But he did not sit idle. He worked very hard on his fitness, technique and temperament.”
Jacques Kallis who bid adieu to Test cricket yesterday said: “Rahane is a wonderful player. He will shine because of his technique.”
Former SA captain Kepler Wessels observed: “Although he did not get his 100, he will learn the value of those four runs now. He is confident both on his front and back foot.
Former chief of the SA cricket board, Dr Ali Bacher said: “He could not reach his 100 because he did not have strong partners. I think the courage he showed against Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel was remarkable.
“He played well to delay the South African victory. He is ready, he is mature, and has a bright future.”
Rahane’s coach Pravin Amre too was happy with his performance. When contacted, Amre said: “I watched the innings. So far he has played well.” Incidentally, Amre scored a century at the same venue in 1992 on his debut.
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