Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane scored his 11th Test century on Sunday (20th October) during the day two of the ongoing Ranchi Test against South Africa. With that century, Rahane has become the joint second-most Test centurion for India at the no.5 batting position.
On Saturday (19th October) morning, Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first. However, the hosts got a very disappointing start as they went down to 39/3.
Ajinkya Rahane came to bat in that tough situation. Along with the opener Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane handled that tough situation properly. The right-handed middle-order batsman Rahane completed half-century in 70 balls. At the stumps of day one, while India were batting on 224/3, Rahane was standing at the crease on 83 runs.
Like Rohit Sharma, Rahane continued his solid batting in the morning session of day two. He finally completed his 11th Test century in 169 balls. It was his first Test century at home since October 2016.
Ajinkya Rahane is now only behind of Mohammad Azharuddin
On the other hand, Rahane scored his eighth Test century at no.5 batting position. It is now the joint-second most Test centuries for an Indian batsman at the no.5 batting position. Polly Umrigar also hit eight Test centuries at the no.5 batting position. Mohammad Azharuddin is the record holder in this list with 16 Test centuries at this special batting position.
Also, this ton was Rahane’s 10th Test century at the no.5 or lower batting position. Adding this century, Rahane is now standing in the joint third position to hit most Test centuries at the no.5 or lower batting position for India. Rahane is standing in this list jointly with Polly Umrigar and Sourav Ganguly. Only VVS Laxman (20 centuries) and Mohammad Azharuddin (11 centuries) are ahead from Rahane in this list.
Coming back to the first innings of Ranchi Test, Rahane and Rohit put the game-changing 267 runs partnership for the fourth wicket. After scoring 115 runs off 192 balls (17 fours and only six), Rahane lost his wicket as the debutant left-arm spinner George Linde picked his first international wicket.