Ajinkya Rahane
About
Known as the torchbearer of the gen-next of Indian batting, Ajinkya Rahane has come a long way from being a domestic hero to a Test stalwart to being the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team.
In December 2020, critics hailed him as a hero for shepherding India's fortunes in Virat Kohli's absence against Australia, making India the first team after West Indies to beat Australia in Brisbane since 1988.
Call it one of Indian cricket's great underdog stories. Ajinkya's journey from walking 10 km a day for his practice sessions in the far flung suburb of Dombivli to becoming a man in blue through sheer hard work, grit, and determination is nothing short of extraordinary.
From the maidans of Mumbai to the Australian fortress, Ajinkya made his first-class debut in the 2007 Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai and was one of the few players to have scored 1000 runs in a single Ranji season.
In a career-defining performance in 2015, he became the fifth Indian to score twin tons in a single Test as he steered India to a mammoth 480-run lead in their second innings against South Africa in Delhi.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
In 2015, he created a Test record by taking 8 catches in a match against Sri Lanka & was also awarded CEAT Indian Cricketer of the Year.
In 2020, Rahane became the first recipient of the Mullagh Medal at MCG. He received the M A Chidambaram Trophy for best Under-19 cricketer in 2006-07. He was also awarded the Arjuna Award in 2016.
Why Ajinkya Rahane ?
From not being able to afford auto-fare to becoming one of the most influential cricketers, he sets the perfect example of an individual who has worked on their core craft and personality. His confidence and the way he carries himself on and off the field are admirable. He is one of the most loved cricketers to come out of our country.
