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In a widely circulated video at the end of India’s 2021 tour of Australia, Ajinkya Rahane, the stand-in captain for three of the four Tests, addressed his teammates after the Brisbane victory. He commended Kuldeep Yadav for his strong work ethic and thanked Kartik Tyagi for his contributions in practice. These gestures revealed Rahane's leadership qualities.
Ajinkya Rahane expressed that he had waited for a long time before he received his Test cap. It was important to him to speak to Kuldeep because he was an important member of the side.
For Ajinkya Rahane, nothing came easily. He spent 16 months carrying water bottles, dreaming of playing alongside his childhood hero, Sachin Tendulkar. When he finally earned his Test cap in 2013, it marked the culmination of years of dedication and struggle.
Rahane's resilience shone in Melbourne when India faced a Test match after being dismissed for 36 in Adelaide (2020-21). His remarkable performance in the IPL contributed to his return to the Test team. Now, India pinned its hopes on Rahane's leadership at The Oval. His presence in the dressing room promised comfort and guidance for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.
Entering the Boxing Day Test in 2020 was a stern initiation into captaincy in Australia. To compound his challenges, Ajinkya Rahane lost the toss on a pitch where the average first-innings score in the previous two years was a staggering 448.
Adversity was no stranger to Ajinkya Rahane. He was once again omitted from the team in South Africa in January 2018, despite being vice-captain. Rahane acknowledged that it was indeed painful. However, he emphasised that certain things are beyond one's control, and the only option is to look forward to the next opportunity.
Now back in the team, India hopes for a Rahane 2.0 - a story of rediscovery and reinvention. A strong performance at The Oval could set the stage for success. With Ajinkya Rahane, the belief in his capability is unwavering, driven by his unwavering commitment and effort throughout his career.
Ajinkya Rahane's leadership qualities were on full display not only in his commendations to Kuldeep Yadav and Kartik Tyagi but also during the Boxing Day Test in 2020. This test of character and leadership, set against the backdrop of adversity, showcased Rahane's unwavering commitment to his team and his ability to rise to the occasion. It was a moment that not only defined his captaincy but also solidified his place as a leader in the Indian cricket team.
FAQs
Who was the stand-in captain during India's 2021 tour of Australia?
Ajinkya Rahane served as the stand-in captain for three of the four Tests during India's tour of Australia.
What qualities of leadership did Rahane exhibit?
Ajinkya Rahane displayed leadership qualities by commending Kuldeep Yadav's work ethic and thanking Kartik Tyagi for their contributions, showing his appreciation for his teammates.
How long did Rahane wait before earning his Test cap?
Ajinkya Rahane had to wait for a considerable period before earning his Test cap in 2013.
What was Rahane's significant achievement in Melbourne during India's tour of Australia in 2020-21?
In Melbourne, Ajinkya Rahane led India to victory in a Test match following their historic low of being bowled out for 36 runs in Adelaide.
What is Rahane's contribution to the Indian cricket team after returning to the Test side?
Rahane's remarkable performance in the IPL played a pivotal role in his return to the Test team, and he is now looked upon as a leader in the dressing room, providing guidance and comfort to his teammates.
What was challenging about Rahane's initiation into captaincy during the Boxing Day Test in 2020?
Entering the Boxing Day Test as captain became hard for Rahane, in particular, because he lost the toss on a pitch where the average first-innings score within the previous years was fairly high at 448.
