Ajinkya Rahane Shouldn't Be Compared To Virat Kohli: Sachin Tendulkar

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has heaped high praise on skipper Ajinkya Rahane and the entire team for the manner in which they turned tables on Australia after the shambles in Adelaide and script a memorable eight-wicket win in the Boxing Day Test.

Sachin was full of praise for Rahane for the manner in which he led the side in the absence of Virat Kohli and other senior cricketers. He also lauded the Indian middle-order batsman for the way he mixed aggressive intent with calmness and surety during his masterly 112 in the first innings; a knock that eventually proved to be the difference in the end between the two sides.

Rahane scored a brilliant 112, one that not only helped India overhaul Australia’s first innings total of 195 but also paved the way for them to take an eventual match-winning lead of 131. He then backed up his patient 1123 with a counter-attacking 27 mot-out in the second innings, fittingly scoring the winning runs.

“I felt this was a brilliant performance by our team, the manner in which our team was able to play and the way Ajinkya led the team. Also if you look at senior cricketers and their contribution, it has been good,” Sachin Tendulkar told PTI in an interview.

“I thought Ajinkya batted brilliantly. He was calm, relaxed and composed. He had aggressive intent but aggression was rightly balanced by calmness and surety. So he did not miss opportunities when a boundary ball was there. And when one had to be patient, he was patient. The intent was very good.” he added.

‘Don’t compare Ajinkya Rahane with Virat Kohli’- Sachin Tendulkar

Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliance as a captain has led to his comparisons with regular skipper Virat Kohli among Indian fans on social media.

Sachin Tendulkar, however, cautioned against any such comparisons, adding that both players play for India and no individual can be bigger than the country.

”People shouldn’t get into comparisons with Virat. Ajinkya has a different personality. His intent was aggressive. I would like to remind everyone that they are both Indians and they both play for India, so no individuals come above India. Team and country is above everything else,” he said.