Ajinkya Rahane's top three greatest knocks

After serving Indian cricket for over a decade, Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of India's most dependable Test batters. While he was never the loudest voice in the dressing room or the biggest superstar in the team, Rahane repeatedly delivered when India found themselves in trouble, especially in overseas conditions.

Here are three of his finest Test innings that showcased his temperament, resilience and ability to rise to the occasion:

1. 112 vs Australia, Melbourne (2020)

Few innings carry as much emotional weight as Rahane's century in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in 2020. Just days after India had been bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, Rahane took over the captaincy in Virat Kohli's absence and led by example.

His composed 112, featuring 12 fours, guided India to a 131-run first-innings lead and completely shifted the momentum of the series. Rahane then remained unbeaten on 27 in the fourth innings as India comfortably chased 70 to level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-1. It remains one of the defining knocks of his career and one that cemented his legacy as a leader who thrived under pressure.

2. 103 vs England, Lord's (2014)

Ajinkya Rahane announced himself on the grandest stage with a memorable century at the Home of Cricket in 2014. Walking in to bat at number five, he helped India recover from 145/7 on a lively green surface, displaying remarkable composure against England's seam attack.

His innings of 103, studded with 15 boundaries and a six, carried India to a good score of 295 on a tricky surface. India went on to register a famous 95-run victory at Lord's, with Rahane's century laying the foundation for the team’s first Test victory at the iconic venue after 28 years.

3. 127 & 100* vs South Africa, Delhi (2015)

Rahane produced one of the greatest all-round batting performances of his career during the fourth Test against South Africa in Delhi. With India reeling at 66/3 on a challenging, turning surface, he steadied the innings with a magnificent 127, striking 11 fours and four sixes to lift the hosts to a competitive 334.

Rahane returned in the second innings to score another unbeaten 100, becoming one of the few Indian batters to register centuries in both innings of a Test. His twin hundreds played a crucial role in India's series-clinching victory as he was adjudged Player of the Match for his historic performance.