Former Australia captain Steve Waugh recently compared retired India batter Ajinkya Rahane with Sachin Tendulkar during an appearance on Rahane’s podcast. Waugh highlighted Rahane's compact technique, small backlift, and balanced approach, which reminded him of the legendary Indian batter.
Rahane had to wait for his opportunity in India’s Test team while Tendulkar remained a key part of the middle order. After Tendulkar’s retirement, he established himself as a key part of India’s batting lineup, scoring 5,077 runs in 85 Tests, including 26 fifties and 12 centuries, with a best score of 188.
Steve Waugh Praises Ajinkya Rahane’s Batting Technique
Steve Waugh was particularly impressed by Ajinkya Rahane’s technical approach at the crease. He pointed to the batter’s compact backlift, straight bat, and balance, qualities that helped him succeed on challenging pitches in England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
“I have a question for you. When I saw you, I thought this is a player that most looks like Tendulkar. Did you model your game around Sachin? Because you had that small backlift… very straight and compact. Well-balanced, composed. Was he your role model?” Waugh asked Rahane.
Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on July 30, 2026. He represented India in 195 matches across formats, scoring 8,414 runs at an average of 35.95, with 15 centuries and 51 half-centuries.
Ajinkya Rahane Reveals How Sachin Tendulkar Influenced His Game
Like many young cricketers who grew up in Mumbai, Ajinkya Rahane regarded Sachin Tendulkar as his biggest batting inspiration. Watching Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium influenced his technique, particularly his backlift and trademark straight drive.
“While growing up? Yes, probably everyone’s role model was Sachin Tendulkar at that point in time. Growing up in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium, watching Sachin bat… playing with my mates in my backyard, I always used to copy Sachin Tendulkar. His backlift, keeping my hands as close as possible and trying to play the straight drive like Sachin, that beautiful straight drive. Everyone enjoyed it. Watching him bat, then got an opportunity to play with him with First-Class team, then in international as well. So he was the role model.”
Rahane eventually went from watching his idol at the Wankhede Stadium to sharing the dressing room with him for Mumbai and India. The conversation then took a lighter turn when Waugh asked about the financial side of being compared with Tendulkar.
Waugh: Did you make as much money as Sachin?
Rahane: I’ll probably make it now.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Captaincy Record and Historic Australia Comeback
Ajinkya Rahane produced an impressive record as India’s Test captain. Tendulkar led India in 25 Tests and won four, while Rahane never became the permanent captain but performed strongly whenever he replaced Virat Kohli.
Rahane led India in six Tests, winning four without suffering a defeat. His win percentage stood at 66.6, with his greatest achievement coming during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
After India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, Rahane took charge of an injury-hit team and responded with a crucial century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the second Test, helping India recover and level the series.
Under his leadership, India eventually won the series 2-1. The victory culminated in the historic Gabba Test in Brisbane, where India secured a series-clinching win.
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