At times, Ajinkya Rahane international career was not always the highlight of the day for the batsman, but he has certainly prided himself on his discipline, resilience and dedication to the sport. Over the past over 10 years at the top of the game, Rahane had always played an important role without the same amount of exposure as some of the bigger cricketers of India. He earned his reputation as a patient, well-prepared and when-necessary player.
Rahane first journey was from Dombivli, where he started playing cricket before embarking on the long trek into Mumbai competitive cricket system. When he was young, he often made the long journey and took his own food to the renowned cricket ground and spent hours at the club. The demands of those routines helped to develop one of his best things, which was the discipline.
Rahane promise was first spotted by the former India spinner Nilesh Kulkarni. Kulkarni recollects Rahane as the shy yet very determined child from their locality and from their very school. He was one of the few players around him who were good enough to whom he wasn’t sincere, didn’t like to learn, or didn’t remain focused. This attitude persisted with Rahane even when he made his debut to international cricket.
He also showed his drive to get better with his fielding. Rahane found that he had a bit of a problem with drop-offs during his early days in Mumbai and sought the guidance of Kulkarni in this regard. The former India spinner had imparted him the significance of softer hands while catching. Rahane honed his weak arm and soon became a very good fielder. He eventually completed his Test career with 82 catches in 85 matches, marking himself one of the best catchers in India in the format.
A batter who delivered when India needed him
Rahane batters were not consistent at home but it was her performances in tough situations that made her an outstanding batter. He amassed over 8,000 international runs in all formats, with 51 half-centuries and 15 centuries. Many of his finest Test appearances were outside India, notably in the difficult conditions in England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
One of the best performances that showcased Rahane’s character came at the Wanderers in 2018. He was not selected in India’s playing XI in the first two Tests against South Africa, but bounced back in the final Test and found a way to register a spirited 48 on a tough surface. Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has seen that innings as one of Rahane’s best ones due to the conditions and the pressure that was being applied upon the game. India eventually emerged victorious in the Test and Rahane has proved his ability to react when required.
But his defining moment of his career was in 2020-21 when he played for India on their historic tour of Australia. With Virat Kohli leaving the tour, Rahane got the opportunity to become the captain of India after the team was bowled out in Adelaide for measly 36 runs. He came under tremendous pressure to deliver a magical 100 and level the series with Melbourne.
Rahane’s leadership was a mirror of his personality in that series. He wasn’t a showman, didn’t need to do a lot of talking or meddling. He opted to rely on his senior players and let them assume the responsibility on the field, however. Among those who were given a free hand to make tactical decisions was Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. But India went on to win the series 2-1 and one of the finest overseas Test triumphs in the country’s history.
A leader who put the team first
Rahane’s leadership qualities were based on peace and confidence. He was not the most talkative player in the dressing room, but his fellow players knew he would keep a cool head during the most stressful moments. His style proved to be effective in the Australia series where India lost a few key players but still played up to their potential.
He was also a captain who could get the best out of those around him. Instead, Rahane left the reins to veteran teammates when it mattered most. That strategy enabled players to take decisions and assume responsibility.
During his international career, he had faced some tough times, but Rahane always showed the will to bounce back. He was subsequently dropped from India’s Test team in 2022 and came back to domestic cricket, where he had a good stint for Mumbai. But through sheer determination he eventually made it to the international level, being selected for India’s squad for the World Test Championship final in 2023.
Commitment to Mumbai cricket
It was Rahane’s association with Mumbai that continued to be a major aspect of his career. He not only had international success, but also has built a hefty resume of over 14,000 first class runs and an experienced leadership background in Mumbai cricket. He has shown that even if his India call-up seemed out of the picture, he was not giving up on the game and neither was he giving up on his State team.
In the later years of his life, that was especially noticeable. However, Rahane never backed out of competitive cricket, but rather continued to play domestic cricket matches and mentor the younger generation of players from Mumbai. His presence and level-headedness were a crucial part of the dressing room, and his pitches demonstrated that he had much to contribute at the domestic level.
Coach Praveen Amre has commended Rahane’s commitment, especially his willingness to remain in the domestic game even though he is uncertain about his international career. After representing India for over two decades, the player had to show humility and a desire to start over, which he did.
A legacy beyond statistics
Rahane’s statistics don’t really tell you much about what a significant figure he is in Indian cricket. He was influenced by the pressure moments in the team when he had to take the pressure on himself and give a response. From his exploits in overseas cricket to his leadership in Australia to his ability to make the decision to come back to domestic cricket, Rahane showed up in multiple ways.
Leaders do not always need to be loud, either, as his career has demonstrated. Rahane was a leader in preparation, being composed and trusting his teammates. He was frequently in the company of bigger personalities and more famed match-winders but over the years was an integral part of the Indian Test team.
Rahane will be remembered in India for some of the most memorable Test series wins, a Test series win in Australia and the respect of teammates, coaches and opponents. From long train rides to Mumbai grounds to leading India to one of their biggest Test wins, it’s a story of patience and perseverance.
In the end, Rahane’s legacy goes beyond just the scores and the games he played. It will also be remembered by the way he played the game. Grit, humility, discipline and quiet leadership were the hallmarks of his career and when he wasn’t on the field when the need arose, Indian cricket could always rely on Ajinkya Rahane.
