Ajinkya Rahane's 100 At The MCG Rattled The Aussies: Jatin Paranjpe

Former Team India selector Jatin Paranjpe has hailed Ajinkya Rahane’s masterly 112 in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as an epitome of patience, perseverance, discipline, and commitment.

Leading the side in the absence of Virat Kohli post the shambles of 36 all-out at the Adelaide Oval, Ajinkya Rahane played a perfect captain’s knock, one that not proceeded to lift India from dire-straits it had found itself after having been reduced to 3/65 in response to Australia’s 195 on the second morning but also lay the cornerstone for an eventual 2-1 series triumph.

Rahane’s knock helped India take a 100-plus run lead after the first innings which ultimately proved to be decisive as the visitors coasted to an eight-wicket win.

“The hundred was like a ‘life-lesson’ note to self. Stay committed, work your socks off at training every day, listen more than speak, be disciplined, and believe in yourself,” Jatin Paranjpe told Times of India.

The former Mumbai cricketer, Jatin Paranjpe couldn’t help but compare Ajinkya’s hundred with Sachin Tendulkar’s double-ton that the Master Blaster scored during the 1990-00 Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu.

Ajinkya’s knock reminded me of that Tamil Nadu innings from Sachin when he took us (Mumbai) through single-handedly. Tough players steer their teams through tough situations. You could feel he wants to see his team through,” said Paranjpe.

According to Paranjpe, Ajinkya Rahane’s 100 at the MCG rattled the Aussies and it played a huge role in India exorcising the horrors of 36 all-out.

“It was a psychological battle and not an ordinary innings. He rattled the Aussies, and that coming after the Adelaide jolt made it even more special,” he added.

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