Ajinkya Rahane Wiki
Ajinkya Rahane, often described as the ‘gentleman of Indian cricket,’ is a name that resonates with elegance, composure, and resilience. Born on June 6, 1988, in Mumbai, India, Rahane’s journey from the dusty maidans (local cricket grounds) of Mumbai to becoming the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team and a prominent batsman in all formats of the game is a testament to his dedication and cricketing acumen.
Early Life and Introduction to Cricket:
Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane was born into a middle-class Marathi family in Dombivli, a suburb of Mumbai. He grew up in a modest household, where cricket was more than just a sport; it was a way of life. Rahane’s father, Madhukar Rahane, worked as an engineer, and his mother, Sujata Rahane, was a homemaker. The family’s financial constraints didn’t deter young Ajinkya from pursuing his passion for cricket.
Rahane’s tryst with cricket began at a tender age when he started playing gully cricket with his friends in the bylanes of Dombivli. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the eye of his parents and schoolteachers. Recognizing his potential, his family made significant sacrifices to support his cricketing ambitions. His father, in particular, played a crucial role in nurturing his talent by enrolling him in various cricket academies in Mumbai.
Early on, Rahane was drawn to the stylish batting of Sachin Tendulkar, who happened to be his cricketing idol. His father, who was also a huge fan of Tendulkar, often took young Ajinkya to watch matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. These experiences served as a source of inspiration and motivation for the budding cricketer.
Domestic Debut and Rise:
Rahane’s cricketing journey took a significant turn when he made his debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy during the 2007-2008 season. He made an immediate impact by scoring a century on debut against Karnataka. His exceptional technique, calm demeanor at the crease, and ability to play both pace and spin marked him as a special talent.
The following years saw Rahane consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket, both in the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His exploits for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL played a pivotal role in earning him recognition on the national stage. In the 2012 IPL season, he emerged as the highest run-scorer, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
National Debut and Challenges:
Rahane’s consistent performances in domestic cricket led to his much-awaited debut for the Indian national team in August 2011. He earned his first cap in an ODI against England. While he couldn’t make a substantial impact in that series, his Test debut came later in the same year against Australia in Melbourne. Rahane showed great composure in that Test and displayed glimpses of his potential.
However, Rahane’s early international career was marked by inconsistency. He would produce memorable innings but struggle to maintain a high level of performance consistently. Critics questioned his ability to convert starts into big scores, a concern that would be a recurring theme throughout his career.
Rahane’s breakthrough moment came during India’s tour of South Africa in 2013-14. In the Durban Test, he scored a gritty century against a formidable South African pace attack. This knock showcased his ability to adapt to different conditions and quashed doubts about his ability to perform outside the subcontinent.
The Test Vice-Captaincy and Overseas Success:
Rahane’s journey took a significant turn when he was appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian Test team. This role provided him with added responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Rahane’s leadership style, characterized by his calm and composed demeanor, was in stark contrast to the aggressive and animated style of the then-captain Virat Kohli. This complemented the team dynamics and earned Rahane the respect of his teammates and fans alike.
One of the defining moments of Rahane’s career as a Test batsman and leader came during India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21. In the absence of Virat Kohli, who returned to India on paternity leave after the first Test, Rahane took over as the captain. Facing a formidable Australian side on their home turf, India was dealt a heavy blow in the first Test, losing by eight wickets.
Rahane’s captaincy, combined with his batting heroics, inspired India to mount a remarkable comeback. He led from the front in the second Test at Melbourne, scoring a match-winning century. However, his leadership skills were even more evident in the third Test at Sydney, where India salvaged a dramatic draw. Rahane’s tactical acumen and ability to instill belief in his team were instrumental in India’s historic series win, despite the odds stacked against them.
Character and Composure:
One of the standout qualities of Ajinkya Rahane is his unflappable composure, both on and off the field. He is known for keeping his emotions in check, irrespective of the match situation. This demeanor has earned him the nickname “Captain Cool,” a title previously associated with former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Rahane’s calmness under pressure has been a source of inspiration for his teammates. It is not uncommon to see him offering a reassuring pat on the back to a struggling bowler or sharing words of encouragement with a young teammate. His ability to stay level-headed in high-pressure situations has been instrumental in India’s success in Test cricket, especially in overseas conditions.
View this post on Instagram
Ajinkya Rahane Wife
Ajinkya Rahane is married to Radhika Dhopavkar. The couple got married on September 26, 2014, in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends. Radhika Dhopavkar has mostly maintained a low profile and has stayed away from the public eye, unlike some other cricketers’ spouses.
Net Worth
Ajinkya Rahane’s net worth was estimated to be around $9 million to $10 million USD. Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane is an Indian international cricketer and former captain and current vice-captain of Indian team in test format, who has played for Indian cricket team in all formats as a batsman. He currently captains Mumbai in Ranji trophy. He is also currently playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.