Ajinkya Rahane’s exceptional performance in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia has earned him high praise from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly commended Rahane’s remarkable comeback after being written off by many, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity. In the crucial WTC 2023 Final, with India facing a daunting target of 469 runs and losing their top four batsmen in quick succession, Rahane emerged as a shining star.
Despite the unfavorable circumstances, Rahane played a pivotal role in derailing the opposition’s plans. He formed crucial partnerships during his innings, first with Ravindra Jadeja for a 71-run stand and later with Shardul Thakur for a 109-run partnership. These partnerships were instrumental in India’s fightback and provided a glimmer of hope in a challenging situation.
Sourav Ganguly, former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his admiration for Rahane’s comeback to Test cricket after a hiatus of 18 months. Ganguly acknowledged the doubts surrounding Rahane’s form and the skepticism that even Rahane himself may have harbored. He emphasized the difficulty of making a strong statement as a batter in Indian cricket after a prolonged absence. Ganguly hailed Rahane’s magnificent performance, highlighting his ability to fight hard despite losing wickets at the other end. He believed that Rahane should be immensely proud of his achievements until the lunch break.
