Ajinkya Rahane ends lean patch with fighting ton | Cricket News
Mumbai: Once a prolific scorer, Ajinkya Rahane’s runs had dried up over the past couple of seasons. On Saturday, with Mumbai in a precarious situation, the 37-year-old brought all his experience to the fore and showcased the virtues of patience and application at the crease, bringing up his 42nd First-Class century. His effort helped Mumbai reach 251/5 at stumps against Chhattisgarh on Day One of their Elite Group D Ranji Trophy clash at the MCA Ground, BKC, before bad light stopped play.By the time cramps forced him to retire hurt, Rahane had scored 118 off 237 balls with 15 boundaries.It was a crucial innings for the right-hander, whose place in the side had come under scrutiny. The reason? In 17 matches over the past two seasons, he had scored just one century — a vital 108 in last year’s quarterfinal against Harya-na. Two failures in the opening match against Jammu & Kashmir only added to the pressure. But against Chhattisgarh, Rahane didn’t let that affect his confidence. He began positively, striking two early fours off Aditya Sarwate (2/65), and grew in assurance with every flick, drive, and punch.
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With overcast skies and a damp surface aiding the bowlers, Mumbai were reduced to 38/3 by the 14th over. Rahane, along with Siddhesh Lad, then steadied the innings. The pair added a resolute 165-run stand for the fourth wicket off 304 balls before Lad fell to left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal (1/55).Six balls later, Sarfaraz Khan was dismissed trying to loft Sarwate but ended up holing out to mid-on.
