Ajinkya Rahane Dedicates Historic Series Victory to Chennai Flood Victims and Indian Army
Ajinkya Rahane joined the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid as he stroked twin centuries to help India crush South Africa by 337 runs to seal a 3-0 series win. He also became the leading run-getter in the series
Ajinkya Rahane, who smashed 127 and 100* to join an elite club of Indian batsmen who had scored centuries in each innings, dedicated India's win at the Feroz Shah Kotla to those affected by the Chennai floods and also the Indian army.(Scorecard | Highlights)
"I would like to dedicate this win to the people of Chennai who are suffering from the floods and the Indian army who is helping out," said Rahane on receiving the Man of the Match award. Thanks to his two centuries, he also became the leading run-scorer in the series with 266 runs at an average of 50.
India bundled out South Africa for 143 on Monday to win the fourth Test and clinch the series 3-0. The 337-run win elevated the hosts to No. 2 in the ICC Test rankings.
Rahane was satisfied with his performance and said it was a result of being focused and determined.
"I was determined and focused. I always like to improve my skills on a day-to-day basis," said the 27-year-old.
Rahane's home average was a mere 7.83 before this game but finally turned his record around by becoming the first Indian batsman to score a century in each innings against South Africa.
His performances have drawn praise from none other than Sunil Gavaskar, who said he was the most complete Test batsman in the Indian team.
"Rahane is currently the most complete Test batsman in the team. He is brilliant both in attacking and defending. He has done well everywhere, in all the conditions whereas Kohli struggled in England," Gavaskar told NDTV.
The 66-year-old was also impressed by Rahane's patience out in the middle. "Patience is key to scoring runs. These pitches are difficult but not impossible to score runs on," he said.