Cricket World Player of the Week - Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane not only did a great job as the stand-in skipper in the Melbourne test, making astute captaincy decisions and team selection, but also bagged the Man of the Match for his game-defining 112 in the first innings under some seriously tough batting conditions.

Team India were under the pump after being bowled out for just 36 in the second innings at Adelaide - their lowest ever score in test cricket.

It would have been very easy to go down without a fight after a humiliating defeat. But Rahane went the aggressive route, brought in Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant, with two more forced changes in the form of debutants, and remained positive throughout the test match.

With the team also missing Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Rohit Sharma, it was not the best time to take over. But Rahane converted adversity into an opportunity and led the team from the front to an 8-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Captain @ajinkyarahane88 is adjudged the Man of the Match for his stupendous performance (112 & 27*) in the Boxing Day Test ????????#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8NqbfK7BNe

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2020

"Really proud of all the players. Played really well. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now," Rahane said after the win.

Ajinkya Rahane has become only the second Indian captain to win each of his first three Tests as skipper after MS Dhoni. The 112 in the first innings was his 12th Test century and second at the MCG.

© Cricket World 2020