On This Day: Ajinkya Rahane’s Captaincy Century in Melbourne Revived India’s Cricket Fortunes

Melbourne, MCG: December 27, 2020, remains a defining moment in Indian cricket history. After the humiliating collapse for 36 runs in the Adelaide Test, the team was low on confidence, with captain Virat Kohli returning home and key bowlers injured. In this testing scenario, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane took charge at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and played a remarkable innings of 112 runs, instilling belief and laying the foundation for India’s historic win at the Gabba.

A Masterclass in Patience and Leadership

Chasing Australia’s 195-run first innings total, India lost early wickets, putting the team under immense pressure. Rahane stood firm amidst the morning fog and the menacing swing of Australian fast bowlers. Partnering first with Rishabh Pant and then Ravindra Jadeja, he anchored the innings with composure. At 78, a dropped catch gave him a lifeline, which he capitalized on to complete a technically brilliant and emotionally stabilizing century, sending a clear message to critics that India could compete and win on Australian soil.

The following morning, Rahane was run out for 112, but in a display of sportsmanship, he patted Jadeja’s shoulder instead of showing frustration. His calm and determined leadership revitalized the team. Inspired by Rahane, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj restricted Australia to just 200 in the second innings, and India chased the modest target with ease. From the embarrassment of Adelaide to triumph in Melbourne within a week, Rahane’s innings set the stage for the historic Gabba victory and series win.

Ajinkya Rahane: The Unsung Legacy

Rahane will always be remembered as a cricketing enigma—his overseas averages often surpassing those at home. A striking fact: India has never lost a Test when Rahane scored a century, and the team remained unbeaten under his captaincy in challenging situations. Though injuries and form affected his later career, and despite a stellar comeback in the 2023 World Test Championship final, Rahane was eventually dropped after the West Indies tour.

Rahane’s true legacy lies not just in statistics, but in his patience, selfless captaincy, and ability to lead a team through adversity, a mark of greatness that Indian cricket will remember forever.