Ajinkya Rahane: Doing it the hard way

Ajinkya Rahane: Doing it the hard way: It was still early summer in 2008. IPL, an idea just out of BCCI’s womb, was beginning to take shape. The team from India’s financial capital hired some of the finest minds in the game to fill up their auction list with heavy weights. As the hammer went down during the auction, the Mumbai Indians squad grabbed up stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Shaun Pollock.

But behind all the fuss of the auctions, MI management quietly acquired two homegrown Mumbaikars who over the few months proceeding to the IPL were earning praises in the Mumbai cricket circles for their cricketing abilities, backed with their disciplined approach towards the game. One Dhawal Kulkarni, the towering fast bowler, and the other was Ajinkya Rahane – the guy from the city suburbs of Dombivali – who seemed very quiet in appearance and serious in approach.

Limited opportunities:

Before the IPL began, Rahane had already played a season of domestic cricket for the team from his city. After a slow start in his first six innings, he had gone on to pile up big runs and was considered one of the favourites of Mumbai’s captain during the time, Amol Mazumdar. In the following Ranji season Rahane scored more than 1000 runs, in the process becoming only the 11th man to do so in the seven decades of Ranji Trophy history.

But none of this guaranteed a consistent place in the Mumbai Indians squad or a call up to the Indian national team.

The next four years were routine for Rahane. He would score ton after ton in domestic cricket, would carry drinks during the IPL, and be in the selectors’ radar for the national team. Many who played alongside him in domestic cricket would go on to earn the Indian cap during this time, while Rahane was made to play the waiting game.

Switch to Rajasthan Royals:

But something drastically changed in 2011. His switch from Mumbai Indians to Rajasthan Royals, where he was united with Rahul Dravid, went on to play a big hand in transforming Rahane’s career.

Within a few months Rahane made his International T20 debut during the England tour alongside his mentor. Although this didn’t ensure a permanent place in the side, it was the first step in the right direction.

Coming up the ranks:

Rahane right from a young age was used to doing it the hard way. Success and opportunity have not come in easy. From traveling hours in crowded Mumbai trains to play school level tournaments such as Giles and Harris Shield, to representing India at the Under-15 and Under-19 level, Rahane has always come up through the ranks and has put in the hard yards without any shortcut.

Having scored more than 5000 domestic runs at a staggering average of 62 before his India debut says the measure of his patience and perseverance. It was during these tough times that he developed a sound technique and excellent footwork, backed by good temperament that would hold him in good shape in the future at the international level.

The Test call-up:

In 2012 IPL season Rahane went on to score more than 500 runs opening the batting at an average of 40 with impressive strike rate nearing 130. These 500 runs did lot of good to Rahane’s credibility with the Indian selectors and Indian public than his 5000 domestic runs. He was now a household name. Following this he got a call for the Test squad.

But here too his initial foray was short lived.

A poor Test debut in Delhi against the Australians after carrying drinks in 16 Test as the 12th man made his frustrations evident. But with great humility and dignity Rahane waited for his chances.

He has always seemed calm and unhurried on and off the pitch and when the opportunity arrived he grabbed it with both hands.

Over the next two years he plundered hundreds overseas in England, New Zealand and Australia where most subcontinent batsmen struggle. With big names like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid retiring, the Mumbaikar grabbed the limited opportunities presented to him. Having got consistent runs in the IPL he also improved in the shorter format of the game which was clearly evident in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa.

Future legend?

Ajinkya Rahane averages in the mid 40’s in the longer format of the game, having played all his matches outside the country, barring his debut at Delhi. With the home season coming up, one would expect the average to rise in batting friendly conditions. Though there have been debates about his batting position in ODI cricket, Rahane by the sheer weight of his runs would walk into the Indian team in any form of the game.

Hiss cricketing journey is one of sheer perseverance. A shining example of how talent alone doesn’t suffice in making a great player. No wonder he looks up to Rahul Dravid, who himself had to go through all the adjustments during his career to salvage a place in the batting line up. Dravid eventually ended up as a legend of the game, and one would hope the same for Ajinkya Rahane.