After impressing once again with his leadership on the third day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia, India’s stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane said he was a captain who led by instinct.
India ended with 326 in reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 195, with Rahane scoring his 12th Test century. The visitors then gave themselves a chance at squaring a series reducing Australia to 133 for 6 at stumps.
“Captaincy is all about backing your instinct. You’ve got to back your gut feeling. Sometimes it goes your way but sometimes it doesn’t,” Rahane told host broadcaster Channel 7 after the day’s play.
“Credit to the bowlers, they bowled in the right areas.”
Rahane said his 112 off 223 balls was special, but stressed the century (103) at Lord’s against England in 2014 was his best knock.
“It was really special,” he said. “Getting a century always is. Still feel that my hundred against England at Lord’s is my best. This game is not over yet, still have to get four more wickets.”
Rahane was also involved in a run out in the first Test in Adelaide, when he sold Virat Kohli down the river after calling him for a quick single.
“I initially thought I was in. I told Jadeja not to worry about my run out and to do keep doing well.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t make it big (after the Kohli run out). I said sorry to him after the day. It happens in cricket.”
