Ajinkya Rahane makes a resounding comeback to Test cricket with a remarkable milestone of 5000 runs! The 35-year-old achieved this feat on Day 3 of the WTC Final against Australia at The Oval, showcasing his immense talent and determination. Rahane’s journey back to the Test side was fueled by outstanding performances in domestic cricket, including the IPL, where he played a pivotal role for the Chennai Super Kings.Â
Rahane in the elite club
After being dropped from the Test side in early 2022, Rahane proved his mettle with consistent performances, earning him a well-deserved spot back in the team. His return was marked by brilliant innings of 89 not out by Lunch on Day 3, which also saw him reach his 26th half-century. Rahane’s knock showcased his ability to handle pressure and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Joining the prestigious 5000-runs club for India, Rahane stands alongside legendary cricketers such as Kapil Dev, Gundappa Viswanath, Mohammad Azharuddin, Dilip Vengsarkar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sourav Ganguly, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar. This milestone reflects Rahane’s consistency and impact in the middle order of the Indian Test team.Â
Rahane helps India avoid follow-on
The transformation in Rahane’s game was evident during the recent IPL 2023, where he played a crucial role for the victorious Chennai Super Kings. With 326 runs to his name, including an unbeaten knock of 71, Rahane showcased his adaptability and versatility as a batsman. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming attributed Rahane’s success to the team’s strategy of relieving him from the role of an anchor, allowing him to express himself freely on the field.
With the WTC Final in progress, Rahane’s milestone adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the match. As the Indian team vies for victory, Rahane’s contribution will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their pursuit of glory. The Indian team were reeling at 50 for 3 when Rahane came into bat and since then, he has anchored two pivotal partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur to help India avoid the follow-on.Â
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