Leading from the front, Ajinkya Rahane successfully guided Team India to a historic 2-1 triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In the absence of regular skipper, Virat Kohli, who returned home on paternity leave following the Adelaide debacle, Rahane showed a great character to help the visitors to make a strong comeback in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Upon his return, Rahane’s friends and family members prepared a special Kangaroo cake for him but the 32-year-old batsman refused to cut the cake.
In his latest conversation with renowned Indian commentator, Harsha Bhogle, Rahane opened up on his decision to cancel the cake-cutting ceremony.
“Kangaroo is their national animal. I don’t want to do that. You give your opposition respect, you treat them well even if you win or even if you create history. You have to have respect for your opponent and other countries. That is why I took the decision against cutting the cake with a kangaroo on it,” Rahane said in a video posted on Bhogle’s official Twitter account.
When the 59-year-old asked Rahane if he was feeling tired after the Australia tour, the Test vice-captain said, “Yes, but in a good way”.
Ajinkya Rahane finished the four-match Test series with 268 runs against Tim Paine-led side.