One person’s loss is another one’s gain. Shikhar Dhawan’s unfortunate injury at Mohali and then Gautam Gambhir’s illness (down with jaundice) gave Ajinkya Rahane the Test cap. The long wait and the suspense finally ended for Rahane. The 24-year-old waited patiently and anxiously for 15 Tests before breaking into the playing XI.
Seven players had made debut ahead of him with the Mumbaikar warming the benches. But this time, he could not be overlooked. Rahane became the 278th Test player for India.
There was even doubt about him playing this Test when there were rumours that Suresh Raina may play in middle order and Cheteshwar Pujara opening the innings with Murali Vijay. But all those speculations were laid to rest as Rahane rightfully earning the big break.
The elegant Rahane has been a consistent scorer in domestic cricket, scoring 5,460 runs with a fine average of 62.04. He slammed 19 hundreds and 22 fifties. It is to be seen whether Rahane will open or bat at number three but for the moment it was a day to remember for Rahane, who has played 16 one-dayers and seven T20s for India.