Sachin Tendulkar Wishes Ajinkya Rahane on His 30th Birthday

Updated - 08 Nov 2023, 12:25 PM

Table of Contents

Team India vice-captain in the longest format of the game Ajinkya Rahane turned 30 today and the whole cricketing fraternity took to their social media handles to wish the stylish batsman. Regarded as the God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar too wished his fellow Mumbaikar on his 30^th birthday. The duo has played only a handful of matches together. However, Tendulkar rates Rahane’s gameplay pretty highly.

“Wishing a very happy birthday to one of the most hardworking, disciplined and sincere cricketers I have come across. May you have a wonderful year ahead. My best wishes to you always, @ajinkyarahane88,” Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle. Rahane is definitely one of the mainstays of the Indian batting order especially in the longest format of the game. His form will be critical if India harbours hopes of winning the Test series in England and Australia scheduled to be played later in the year.

Wishing a very happy birthday to one of the most hardworking, disciplined and sincere cricketers I have come across. May you have a wonderful year ahead. My best wishes to you always, @ajinkyarahane88. pic.twitter.com/TrcDEI2vGk

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 6, 2018

Rahane has been handed over the captaincy reign of India for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. It will be a historic occasion when the two teams lock horns against each other from 14^th June. Given the sort of world-class spinners, Afghanistan has, India might well be tempted to prepare a seam-friendly wicket. Rashid Khan has been in wonderful form and can make any batting line-up look clueless in front of his variations. The likes of Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Mohammad Nabi will also be part of the squad.

Also Read: Tim Paine Aims to Kick Start a New Era in the Australian Cricket

Rahane’s form of late

Rahane has been a champions batsman for India in the longest format. He is an invaluable asset to India and considering overseas conditions he might well be a bigger impact batsman than Virat Kohli. In India’s last tour of England, Rahane scored a sensational century in the seam-friendly conditions at Lord’s. It remains one of the best knocks by an Indian in overseas Tests.

However, Rahane hasn’t been in the greatest of touch in the recent past. He was dropped from the opening two Tests of the South Africa tour in favour of Rohit Sharma. His exclusion was a huge surprise given the consistency Rahane has shown especially in overseas Tests. However, he was given his maiden opportunity in the 3^rd and the final Tests. He looked in good touch in both the innings and struck some exceptional shots in the process.