Ajinkya Rahane thanks teammates for supporting him

"One of the toughest series that we have played in recent times," Rahane said.

Published - 30 Mar 2017, 00:29 IST | Updated - 30 Mar 2017, 00:29 IST

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In an unfortunate incident, India’s regular skipper Virat Kohli had injured his shoulder while fielding in the third Test in Ranchi. He was forced to sit out the next match as he failed to recover. It was a huge blow for India in the context of the series and Ajinkya Rahane was handed over the role of leading the side in his absence.

The batsman from Mumbai did not make his vacancy hurt India and led from the front. His aggressive captaincy in the second innings of Australia proved to be the turning point as they were bowled out for just 137. While everyone lauded him for his superb work as a leader, he remained modest and thanked the team to believe in him. He took to Twitter to express his gratitude.

His post read, “It was an important task at hand, glad that the team supported me for the ultimate result! Thank you everyone who believed in me and Team.”

It was an important task at hand, glad that the team supported me for the ultimate result! Thank you everyone who believed in me and Team. pic.twitter.com/q2VtvwWFZZ
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) March 29, 2017

It wasn’t just his captaincy that did it for India but his aggressive innings while chasing that made things easy. He walked in to bat when the score read 46/2 after Pujara was run out for a duck. Australians were charged up and a slight mishap could have cost India the game.

Rahane decided to be aggressive from the outset and transferred the pressure right back on the visitors. He scored 38 off just 27 balls that included 4 fours and 2 back to back sixes off Pat Cummins. His quickfire innings ensured no further losses and India strolled to victory by 8 wickets and reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

It was not an easy win for India as the Australians fought neck and neck throughout the series. Rahane too believed it was a tough one and applauded the efforts of the team.

In an another tweet, he said, “One of the toughest series that we have played in recent times. Great team effort and spirit shown by each and every individual.”

One of the toughest series that we have played in recent times. Great team effort and spirit shown by each and every individual. Cont….
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) March 29, 2017

India are now sitting firmly on top of the ICC Test team rankings but the real test would start now as a series of overseas Test begin later this year.