Ajinkya Rahane reveals the greatest moment of his international career after retirement

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Ajinkya Rahane recently brought the curtain down on an illustrious international career, retiring from all formats of the game after serving Indian cricket with distinction for 15 years. Widely regarded as one of India’s finest overseas middle-order batters, Rahane earned admiration for delivering under pressure in challenging conditions. His memorable centuries at iconic venues such as Lord’s, Melbourne, Wellington and Colombo cemented his reputation as a dependable performer away from home. As a captain, he also left behind an enviable legacy, leading India in six Test matches without suffering a single defeat, registering four victories and two draws. Reflecting on his journey, Rahane has now revealed the innings he considers the greatest moment of his career.

Speaking on The Overlap Cricket YouTube channel, Rahane recalled his unforgettable century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The elegant right-hander described the knock as the finest moment of his international career, placing it alongside his maiden Test century at Lord’s in 2014. However, he admitted the Melbourne innings carried greater emotional weight because of the circumstances surrounding the Indian team.

“It was the top moment of my career, along with the century at Lord’s in 2014. When the match was going on, it was typical Australians. They were sledging all the time. Without Virat Kohli and Shami injured, they thought they were all over us. I tried very hard to be in the moment, though it was very tough. But when I got the hundred, everyone came up to me and acknowledged it,” Rahane said.

His unbeaten composure in Melbourne came just days after India’s crushing 36 all-out in Adelaide, one of the darkest moments in the team’s Test history. With regular captain Virat Kohli returning home for the birth of his child and Mohammed Shami ruled out through injury, Rahane stepped into the leadership role during one of Indian cricket’s most testing phases. His magnificent 112 not only rescued India’s batting effort but also inspired the visitors to level the series with a memorable victory at the MCG.

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Rahane’s international career will be remembered for far more than individual milestones. Nicknamed “Jinks,” he established himself as India’s ultimate crisis batter, producing some of his finest performances when the team needed him the most.

Unlike many batters who built imposing records on familiar home pitches, Rahane thrived in foreign conditions. His compact technique, patience against swing and seam, and ability to absorb pressure helped him score eight of his 12 Test centuries outside India, making him one of the country’s most accomplished overseas performers.

His defining contribution came during the historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following the Adelaide collapse, Rahane rallied an injury-ravaged Indian squad, guided a young side through adversity and led one of the greatest comebacks in Test history. Under his unbeaten captaincy, India famously breached Australia’s long-standing fortress at the Gabba, sealing a remarkable 2-1 series triumph.

From his century at Lord’s to his match-winning hundred in Melbourne and his inspirational leadership in Australia, Rahane’s career stands as a testament to resilience, calmness and selfless commitment. While he has now stepped away from international cricket, his contributions during India’s greatest overseas triumphs ensure his legacy will endure for generations.

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