Someone else took credit for my decisions in Australia: Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane was a key component in India’s historic comeback during the 2020-21 tour of Australia, but stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane thinks “someone else took the credit” for the decisions he made to rescue the squad after the nightmare 36 all out in Adelaide. As regular skipper Virat Kohli went out of Australia, leaving the disappointment of the humbling loss in the opener at Adelaide in his wake, Rahane accepted the reins in the most difficult of circumstances.
What followed was one of the most remarkable comebacks in Test history, as India won the second match by eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Rahane leading the charge with a brilliant century.
“I’m aware of what I’ve done. I am not going to tell anyone. It is not in my character to go around taking credit. Yes, there were times when I made decisions on the field or in the locker room, but someone else claimed credit for the “In an episode of ‘Backstage with Boria,’ Rahane stated.
“What mattered most to me was that we won the series. That was a historical series, and it was really meaningful to me.” Rahane did not name individuals, but his remarks may be interpreted as a veiled criticism on then-head coach Ravi Shastri, who was universally praised for the team’s performance and dominated the media space as the architect of the turnaround, considering that the dressing room resembled a sick ward at one point. In fact, following those stunning triumphs, Shastri became the team’s voice.
The cricketing community praised Rahane for leading the critically weakened squad through one of the toughest situations, not just at the MCG, but throughout the four-match series. India was without three front-line players at the MCG, and they continued to lose crucial players throughout the series due to injury, yet they still won.
“After then, it was for them to talk about the reactions from individuals or those who claimed credit or what was reported in the media, ‘I did this’ or ‘This was my decision’ or ‘This was my call,'” Rahane added.
“From the beginning, I knew what judgments I made on the field and what decisions I made based on my intuition.”
“Yes, we spoke with management as well, but I used to joke about it since it is what I did on the field; I never spoke much about myself or congratulate myself. But I know what I did there.” However, Rahane experienced a protracted downturn after leading India to that historic series victory in Australia, which persisted on the South African trip.
He played 13 Tests last year and scored 479 runs at an average of 20.82. He had two 50s and some important 40s, but overall, he lacked consistency.
His shot selection was also questioned, which resulted in the senior batter losing his vice-captaincy in December.
In South Africa, he batted in six innings and scored 136 runs at a below-par average of 22.67.
But he is unfazed by the criticism that has followed his string of dismal grades.
“I simply grin at it. People who are familiar with the sport will not speak in such a way. I do not want to delve too deeply into it. Everyone is aware of what occurred in Australia, and you are aware of it as well “He stated.
“Even after and before Australia, the contributions I made, particularly in red-ball cricket, I do not like to discuss, but Australia was truly remarkable. As I already stated, individuals that know and love the sport will speak intelligently “He stated.
He has complete trust in his abilities and is optimistic about recovering his touch.
“Yes, I am confident in my abilities; I am batting quite well and have faith in my abilities. And I have some decent cricket left in me “Rahane stated.
