Ajinkya Rahane Reflects on Partnership with Virat Kohli in Cricket

Rahane Discusses His Bond with Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane shared insights about his batting partnership with the legendary Virat Kohli. He emphasized that their strong camaraderie and Kohli's encouragement of Rahane's natural playing style were crucial for their success in Test cricket. Recently retired from international cricket, Rahane spoke on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast, co-hosted by notable former England cricketers.

Kohli's Chasing Secrets

During the podcast, Rahane revealed that Kohli keeps the secrets of his exceptional white-ball chasing abilities to himself. "It's all in his mind, and he never shares his calculations. I've tried to get him to reveal it, but he remains tight-lipped. His knack for taking calculated risks at the right moments is what sets him apart," Rahane explained.

Complementary Styles

Rahane noted that their contrasting styles—Kohli's aggression and his own calm demeanor—allowed them to complement each other effectively. He reminisced about their partnerships in Australia, where Kohli would aggressively take on bowlers, often encouraging Rahane to play his natural attacking game. "Our successful partnerships stemmed from open communication. Whenever Kohli wanted to target a bowler and I supported him, he performed even better," Rahane stated.

A Strong Partnership

Rahane highlighted how Kohli thrived on challenges, often asking if he should engage in sledging. Rahane would encourage him, saying, 'Go for it,' which worked well for Kohli. Their bond extended beyond the field, as they frequently discussed cricket, a rarity in today's game. Kohli's positive reinforcement helped Rahane embrace his attacking instincts.

Rahane's Impressive Test Record

As Kohli became a dominant Test captain, Rahane stood as a reliable partner, contributing significantly to India's batting lineup. Together, they formed the fifth-most successful Test pair, amassing 3,661 runs in 67 innings at an average of 56.32, including 10 century partnerships and 17 half-centuries. Their remarkable 365-run partnership against New Zealand in 2016 remains a highlight.

Ajinkya Rahane's Career Overview

In his Test career, Rahane played 85 matches, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries. In ODIs, he participated in 90 matches, accumulating 2,962 runs with an average of 35.26. His T20I record includes 20 matches with 375 runs. Overall, Rahane's international career totals 8,414 runs across 195 matches, with 15 centuries and a highest score of 188.