There have been many great batters in Indian Test cricket who dominated scorecards and headlines. Ajinkya Rahane, however, built his legacy differently.

Rahane was rarely the centre of attention, yet he repeatedly produced innings that rescued India from difficult situations. Whether it was a fighting century at Lord’s, a captain’s knock in Melbourne, or countless middle-order rescues, the Mumbai batter earned a reputation as one of India’s most dependable Test cricketers.

As Rahane brings the curtain down on his Test career, he leaves behind not just numbers but memories of courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the team.

The Man India Turned To During Difficult Times

Rahane was never India’s biggest superstar, but he was often the player trusted when the team found itself under pressure.

One of his earliest defining moments came at Lord’s in 2014, where India were struggling at 145/7 before Rahane counter-attacked with a brilliant century.

That innings laid the foundation for one of India’s most memorable overseas Test victories, later completed by Ishant Sharma’s famous spell of short-pitched bowling.

It became a recurring theme throughout Rahane’s career—delivering when the team needed someone to absorb pressure.

Melbourne 2020: The Innings That Changed Everything

If Lord’s announced Rahane’s arrival, Melbourne in 2020 cemented his legacy.

India entered the Boxing Day Test after the nightmare of being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, their lowest Test score.

With regular captain Virat Kohli unavailable, Rahane stepped in as skipper and responded with a magnificent century under immense pressure.

His composed leadership and match-winning hundred helped India level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and completely change the direction of the series.

That remarkable comeback eventually ended with India’s historic victory at The Gabba, one of the greatest overseas triumphs in Indian cricket history.

More Than Just Overseas Success

Although Rahane earned a reputation as India’s overseas specialist, he also produced several memorable performances at home.

Against South Africa in Delhi in 2015, he scored a vital century to wrest back control of the match.

A year later, he registered his highest Test score of 188 against New Zealand in Indore.

After that innings, Rahane summed up his philosophy perfectly by saying that overcoming difficult phases often made scoring hundreds even more satisfying than batting freely.

That mindset reflected the player he was throughout his career.

Difficult Final Years

Like many great cricketers, Rahane’s career also witnessed a challenging phase.

Technical issues outside the off stump and lapses in concentration began affecting his consistency.

In 2021, he managed only two half-centuries in 23 Test innings, leading to his omission from the Indian side in early 2022.

Rather than giving up, Rahane returned to domestic cricket and enjoyed a superb 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 634 runs at an average of 57.64.

His performances earned him a recall for the World Test Championship Final, where he once again top-scored for India in the first innings.

However, modest returns during the subsequent West Indies tour meant that his international comeback proved to be short-lived.

Reinventing Himself in T20 Cricket

Even when many believed his white-ball career was over, Rahane found another way to stay relevant.

He reinvented his batting style with Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2023, playing fearless cricket at an impressive strike rate and helping CSK win another IPL title.

His domestic performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later earned him a return to Kolkata Knight Riders, where he also took over captaincy duties in 2025 and 2026.

The transformation showcased Rahane’s willingness to evolve with the modern game.

A Career Defined by Selflessness

Rahane finishes his Test journey with:

• Matches: 95
• Runs: 5,077
• Centuries: 12
• Half-centuries: 26
• Batting Average: 38.46

While those numbers may not place him among India’s highest run-scorers, they tell only part of the story.

Rahane’s true contribution lies in the moments when he quietly stepped forward, rescued India from difficult situations and allowed others to shine.

His farewell message perhaps captured his career better than any statistic.

“I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself.”

For Ajinkya Rahane, those words were never just a slogan—they defined an entire Test career built on sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to Team India.

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Kavem Hodge produced a patient and determined unbeaten 83 to put West Indies in a strong position against Pakistan at the end of a rain-affected opening day of the first Test in Trinidad.

West Indies finished the day on 194 for 3 after 67 overs, with Hodge unbeaten on 83 and Shai Hope alongside him on 39.

The pair added an unbroken 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket, frustrating Pakistan after the visitors had threatened to take control earlier in the day.

Bad light eventually brought play to an early close at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Rain Disrupts Opening Day in Trinidad

West Indies won the toss and elected to bat at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which is hosting its first Test match.

Before play began, both teams observed a minute’s silence following the passing of legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers. West Indies players and the match officials also wore black armbands.

Pakistan quickly made batting difficult.

Only 14.1 overs were possible during the opening session, with West Indies managing just 23 runs as Pakistan’s seamers exploited the conditions.

Rain then arrived and resulted in an early lunch, with the interruption eventually costing around two hours of playing time.

Mohammad Abbas Strikes Early

Mohammad Abbas was particularly difficult to negotiate with the new ball.

The experienced Pakistan seamer maintained a disciplined line around off stump and bowled five maidens in his first seven overs.

The pressure eventually produced the opening wicket.

Brandon King attempted to cut a delivery that was too close to his body and ended up chopping the ball onto his stumps.

Pakistan had made the early breakthrough they were looking for.

Hodge Launches West Indies Fightback

Conditions continued to favour Pakistan’s seamers after the rain interruption, but Hodge responded by adopting a more positive approach.

He collected 14 runs from Abbas’ first two overs after the resumption, helping West Indies increase the scoring rate and begin their recovery.

Hodge combined effectively with Tagenarine Chanderpaul as the partnership moved beyond 50.

Pakistan eventually broke the stand through Aamer Jamal.

Chanderpaul pushed at a delivery outside off stump and edged it to Salman Agha at second slip.

Abbas Removes Amir Jangoo

Amir Jangoo was the next West Indies batter to depart.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan moved closer to the stumps against Abbas, making it more difficult for Jangoo to leave his crease.

Abbas then delivered a straight ball that trapped Jangoo in front.

The on-field umpire initially rejected Pakistan’s appeal, but a review showed the ball hitting the stumps and the decision was overturned.

West Indies were suddenly 106 for 3, giving Pakistan an opportunity to take control.

Hodge Completes Fourth Test Fifty

Hodge refused to allow Pakistan to capitalise.

He showed patience against Abbas and Mohammad Ali while looking for scoring opportunities against the other bowlers.

His half-century arrived with a punch through the covers against debutant spinner Ali Usman.

It was Hodge’s fourth Test half-century, but the West Indies batter continued to build rather than throwing away his start.

Hodge and Hope Frustrate Pakistan

Shai Hope provided Hodge with the support West Indies needed.

The pair settled into a patient fourth-wicket partnership and gradually reduced Pakistan’s wicket-taking threat.

Pakistan continued to probe without allowing the hosts to score freely, but the assistance available to the bowlers earlier in the day gradually disappeared.

Hodge and Hope responded by prioritising survival.

Remarkably, West Indies did not score a single boundary during the final session, yet the pair remained unbeaten and ensured Pakistan couldn’t make another breakthrough.

Bad light eventually ended proceedings after 67 overs.

West Indies Edge Ahead After Day 1

Despite losing three wickets, West Indies will be pleased with their position after a difficult opening session.

Hodge’s unbeaten 83 was the defining performance of the day, while Hope’s patient 39 helped establish an important partnership.

Pakistan, meanwhile, remain firmly in the contest.

Abbas was their standout performer, finishing the day with two wickets, but the visitors will need an early breakthrough on Day 2 to prevent Hodge and Hope from turning their promising partnership into a commanding first-innings total.

Day 1 Score

West Indies: 194/3 in 67 overs

Kavem Hodge: 83*
Shai Hope: 39*
Mohammad Abbas: 2/44

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Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is expected to be one of the biggest talking points when India announce their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next week.

India will begin the Test series in Galle on August 15, with the second match scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23.

Bumrah is currently recovering after suffering an impact injury to his left knee during India’s recent ODI series against England.

Bumrah Recovering From Left Knee Injury

Bumrah missed the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s after experiencing reactive swelling in his left knee following an impact injury.

His recovery is now being closely monitored ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.

According to a PTI report, there is optimism that the time available before the opening Test could be sufficient for Bumrah to recover.

India, however, are expected to travel to Sri Lanka considerably earlier.

The squad is scheduled to arrive by August 4 and play a four-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo as part of their preparations.

Whether Bumrah will be fit enough to travel with the rest of the squad in the first week of August remains uncertain.

Ravindra Jadeja Set for Test Return

While Bumrah’s availability remains under observation, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return to the Shubman Gill-led Test side.

Jadeja’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball could become particularly valuable on Sri Lankan surfaces, where spin is traditionally a major factor.

The veteran all-rounder was not selected for India’s recent three-match ODI series against England, which India lost 2-1.

His return would provide India with additional experience and greater flexibility in their Test combination.

Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh Could Lead Pace Attack

If Bumrah receives medical clearance, India’s pace department could feature a strong combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The selectors will nevertheless have to consider Bumrah’s workload and recovery before making a final decision.

Given his importance across formats, India are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the fast bowler if there are lingering fitness concerns.

Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Lead Spin Attack

India are expected to travel with several spin options considering the conditions in Sri Lanka.

Kuldeep Yadav could lead the specialist spin department, with Manav Suthar another strong candidate following his impressive Test debut against Afghanistan.

Suthar’s left-arm spin could provide India with another useful option if the pitches offer significant assistance to the slower bowlers.

Washington Sundar Also in Contention

Washington Sundar is another player likely to feature in the selection discussions.

Washington strengthened his case with a four-wicket haul in the second innings against Afghanistan at Mullanpur.

His batting ability also gives India the option of playing an additional spinner without significantly weakening the lower order.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey is expected to remain among India’s back-up spin options.

With Jadeja returning and Kuldeep, Suthar and Washington competing for places, India could have several combinations available depending on conditions in Galle and Colombo.

India Await Final Update on Bumrah

For now, much of the attention will remain on Bumrah.

With approximately three weeks between his injury and the start of the Test series, India will hope their premier fast bowler can complete his recovery without complications.

His availability could significantly influence the balance of India’s playing XI, particularly in a Test series where both pace with the new ball and high-quality spin are expected to play important roles.

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Bangladesh have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming Test tour of Australia, with fast bowler Nahid Rana ruled out of the entire two-match series due to injury.

A Bangladesh Cricket Board official confirmed that Rana will not travel to Australia as he continues his recovery from a Grade 2 left side strain.

The injury situation has created further concerns for Bangladesh, with Litton Das and Shoriful Islam also unlikely to be available for the opening Test in Darwin.

Nahid Rana Ruled Out of Australia Tour

Rana sustained the injury during the second T20I against Zimbabwe earlier this month.

There had initially been some hope that the fast bowler could recover in time for the Australia series. However, subsequent medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury.

Scans revealed a Grade 2 side strain, with Bangladesh’s medical team estimating a recovery period of approximately six to eight weeks from the date of injury.

That timeline has effectively ruled Rana out of both Tests.

His absence could be particularly significant in Australian conditions, where his extra pace and ability to generate bounce could have provided Bangladesh with an important attacking option.

Litton Das Facing Fitness Test

Bangladesh are also sweating over the availability of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das.

Litton suffered a left calf injury and subsequently travelled to Singapore for specialist consultation.

He underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and is expected to begin a progressive running and conditioning programme from July 28.

His fitness assessment is scheduled for around August 13.

That makes his participation in the opening Test extremely unlikely, although he could potentially return for the second Test if he receives medical clearance.

The BCB has indicated that Litton’s availability will depend on him successfully passing the required fitness tests.

Shoriful Islam Also Likely to Miss First Test

Left-arm fast bowler Shoriful Islam is another player dealing with an injury suffered during the Zimbabwe series.

Shoriful sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring injury.

His rehabilitation appears to be progressing, with the pacer expected to resume bowling from July 29.

A fitness assessment is planned around August 12.

Given the timing, Shoriful is unlikely to be ready for Bangladesh’s first Test against Australia. However, he has a better chance of returning for the second match if he completes his bowling workload without any further problems and receives medical clearance.

Bangladesh’s Injury Problems Before Australia Tests

Bangladesh could therefore enter the opening Test without three important players.

Nahid Rana is confirmed to miss the entire series, while Litton Das and Shoriful Islam are both expected to miss at least the first Test.

The absence of Rana and potentially Shoriful would force Bangladesh to rethink the composition of their pace attack.

Litton’s possible absence would also create a major gap in the batting order because of his experience at Test level.

Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series Schedule

The two-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.

The opening Test will be played in Darwin from August 13 to 17, before the teams travel to Mackay for the second and final Test.

The second Test is scheduled for August 22 to 26.

Bangladesh will now hope Litton and Shoriful make sufficient progress during rehabilitation to strengthen the squad for the latter stages of what promises to be a challenging Australian tour.

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