Former Indian opener-turned commentator Sunil Gavaskar has hailed Ajinkya Rahane for his defiant knock of 112, claiming that the innings is one of the most important hundreds in the history of Indian cricket.
Having come into the game on the back of questions posed by fans and former cricketers on his lean patchy form amid the shambles of 36 all-out in Adelaide, Rahane showed remarkable composure to churn out a proper Test match innings; one that was an epitome of patience, skills, and immense determination.
Lauding the character displayed by the stand-in Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar said-
“I believe that this hundred is going to be one of the most important hundreds in the history of Indian cricket. Important because it’s showing character, sending a message to the opposition that after being dismissed for 36 in the previous game, to come back in this manner, this Indian team is not going to just lie down and be walked all over,”
Rahane’s innings came to a tragic end though as he fell a few inches short of his crease after Ravindra Jadeja had called him for a risky single on the third morning.
He added just 8 runs to his overnight score and once he was dismissed, the floodgates opened as India lost their last 5 wickets for a mere 32 runs.
Indian bowlers have, however, claimed three crucial wickets including the prized scalps of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith with 48 runs still in the bank.
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