India vs Australia: ‘Can’t imagine the pressure that Ajinkya Rahane was under,’ says Tom Moody

India vs Australia: ‘Can’t imagine the pressure that Ajinkya Rahane was under,’ says Tom Moody

Tom Moody and Ajinkya Rahane

Tom Moody and Ajinkya Rahane
Tom Moody and Ajinkya Rahane

India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane impressed all with his performance during the ongoing Boxing Day Test against Australia. After an attacking captaincy on day one, Rahane led his side from the front with a scintillating century. He helped India make a brilliant comeback in the series after trailing 0-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody hailed Ajinkya Rahane for the way he took charge of the Indian team. Moody reckoned that no one could imagine the pressure he was under after India registered their lowest total at the Adelaide Oval.

“For me, when he came in, the score was 61, I think. Soon after his arrival, another wicket fell. So, India with 63/3, I think it was, with all the pressure that was a build-up for this Test match in the absence of Virat Kohli. He one of the best players in the world and also the captain of this side. After his disastrous performance in Adelaide, you can’t imagine the pressure that he was under,” Moody said on ESPNCricinfo.

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“But to me, did it look like it? It certainly didn’t. He looked composed, he looked in control, and he showed what leadership is about. Leadership is about actions, and his action was very much one of head down ‘I’m grinding this out. I’m going to show you discipline, some maturity, some class along the way and allow my innings to unfold and blossom for you all to enjoy.”

‘The way Rahane acknowledged his hundred was the most special part’

Ajinkya Rahane

The former cricketer also talked about Rahane’s celebration after he completed his 12th Test century at the MCG. He quoted the example of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson who also acknowledged this milestone in a similar manner against Pakistan. 

“And to me the way he acknowledged his hundred was the most special part of that innings – so understated. A similar player across the Tasman Kane Williamson acknowledged the hundred against Pakistan, a very similar modest fashion. And I just love watching players like this… understated. Everyone knows they’ve climbed the Everest but they’re content nodding their heads and raising their bat,” Moody pointed out.

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