Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has faced a lot of tough times in recent years before his incredible batting performances in the Antigua Test. During those tough moments, Rahane faced massive criticisms. However, calm Rahane always tries to not focus on uncontrolled criticism.
Before the Antigua Test, Rahane’s place wasn’t secure in the Indian Test team. Though he is carrying the Test vice-captaincy role continuously, Rahane hadn’t performed consistently for a long time.
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Since the Colombo (SSC) Test century in August 2017, Rahane’s Test performances hugely declined. Before the Antigua Test, Rahane failed to hit any international centuries in 39 innings while he scored only five half-centuries in 28 Test innings.
However, his frustrating condition has hugely changed since the latest Antigua Test. Coming to bat at the dangerous situation in the first innings, Rahane scored the incredible 81 runs. Though he missed the deserving century in that innings, Rahane managed the three figures score in the next innings. This time his 102 runs made stronger India’s position in that Test. Finally, India won that Test by 318 runs – their largest Test victory (by runs) in away.
I try not to get affected by criticism – Ajinkya Rahane
After that Test match, Ajinkya Rahane revealed that how he handled the criticism during the tough moments.
Ajinkya Rahane told Rohit Sharma during an interview on bcci.tv, “I try not to get affected by criticism as it is unwanted and I can’t control it. Whenever you score a hundred, you are very happy.”
He further added, “It was satisfying as I had to grind a lot in the beginning. (I) Needed to put the team in a good position before getting to the hundred.”
Due to his struggling performances in international cricket, Ajinkya Rahane has missed out the limited-overs international cricket since February 2018. He also failed to earn his place for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. Though he felt disappointed on that, he has now started the preparation for the next World Cup which India will organise in 2023.
On the other hand, before the ongoing Test series, Rahane served for Hampshire in the County Championship 2019. It was his first experience in county cricket. Though he struggled in that tournament too, he credited those experiences after winning the Player of the Match award in Antigua Test.