- As is the case with any team sport, cricket is also endowed with a variety of quality players expected to contribute to the cause of the larger objective of winning while playing against any opposition. Some of the players making it to the team are great performers, promising newbies, and exciting talents expected not only to gel and push the team’s cause but also to perform to the best of their abilities, contributing no less than 100% every time. Individual brilliance combined with collective effort makes any team exciting, perform at their peak, and contribute immensely by competing against all odds. Every player has a role to perform is stating the obvious. The pride of representing the country in a team sport also propels performance to another level.
PC: Deccan Herald
- People closely following the fortunes of Indian cricket in the last couple of decades would have noticed a slew of superstars representing the team with distinction. Some of the biggest names in the international cricket circuit have been associated with Indian cricket, as is known to us. Without getting into the details of others, let’s concentrate on Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after serving the team for nearly 12-13 years. Undeniably, Rahane was an eye-pleasingly attractive batter who relied on sheer timing to showcase skills right through his domestic and international career. The short-statured batter was a delight to watch when in full flow, scoring seamlessly by milking the bowlers briskly.
PC: The Indian Express
- Mind you, Rahane represents a slew of renowned cricketers coming from the stable of Mumbai cricket. Breaking into Mumbai and subsequently into Team India speaks volumes about his consistency, perseverance, and determination to play the game at the highest levels. One of the most underrated cricketers to have represented Team India, Rahane’s most outstanding contributions must be the way he showcased his unquestionable skills while touring overseas. Out of the 12 Test hundreds, eight were scored overseas in challenging conditions. Australia, England, West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, respectively. When the chips were down for the team, Rahana was always available to bail them out adroitly by ensuring the safety of the team.
PC: Khel Now
- The most defining moment in his career must be the way he led the team Down Under during the series in 2020-21 when several stalwart cricketers were not available to represent owing to injuries and other challenges. When the team was blown away for a mere 36 runs in Adelaide in the second innings of the first Test, pundits wrote the team off in the subsequent three remaining Tests. However, the way Team India fought back to win the next Test in Melbourne, Rahane scored a hundred captaining the side, and drew the third, and went on to win the fourth to seal the series, Ajinkya’s contributions were immeasurable. He was a fabulous slip fielder as well, pouching everything that came his way. Here’s wishing him a very happy second innings!
