Ajinkya Rahane

Indian cricket batsman known for his overseas performances and captaining India to historic Test series victory in Australia in 2020-21.

Born on 6 June 1988 in Ashvi, a small village in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, Ajinkya Madhav Rahane emerged from humble beginnings to become one of India's most reliable Test batsmen. His father worked as a sports shop owner, fostering Rahane's early interest in cricket. He moved to Mumbai as a teenager to pursue cricket seriously, joining the Mumbai Cricket Association and progressing through age-group teams before making his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai in 2007-08. Rahane's international career began with his ODI debut in 2011, but he truly flourished in Test cricket after his debut against Australia in 2013. His elegant stroke play and solid technique made him particularly effective against pace bowling. He established himself as India's premier overseas batsman, averaging over 40 in challenging conditions across England, Australia, and South Africa. His breakthrough performance came during India's 2013-14 tour of New Zealand, where he scored his maiden Test century. He became known for crucial innings in pressure situations, including memorable centuries at Lord's in 2014 and Melbourne in 2014. The pinnacle of Rahane's career arrived when he captained India to a historic 2-1 series victory in Australia in 2020-21. Taking over leadership after India's crushing defeat in Adelaide, he guided a depleted team featuring several debutants to victories in Melbourne and Brisbane. The triumph at the Gabba, where Australia had been unbeaten since 1988, is widely regarded as one of India's greatest Test achievements. Throughout his Test career, Rahane accumulated 5,077 runs in 85 matches at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. Rahane's legacy rests on his reliability in overseas conditions and his exemplary leadership during India's most challenging tour. His calm demeanor and technical proficiency made him a cornerstone of India's Test batting lineup for over a decade. After struggling with form in his final years, he retired from international cricket in early 2024, leaving behind a reputation as one of India's finest overseas performers and most successful stand-in captains.

Classical technique, strong on the back foot, particularly effective against pace bowling in overseas conditions

One of India's most reliable Test batsmen in overseas conditions, known for crucial innings in difficult situations

• Australia series win 2020-21 (captain)
• Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21