'5 am train journeys and toil has been worth the wait' - Radhika Dhopavkar shares touching post on Ajinkya Rahane's 10th anniversary in international cricket

Team India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has completed a memorable 10 years in international cricket on Monday (August 31). The right-hander made his T20I debut in 2011 against England and co-incidentally is now battling it out against the team in an ongoing five-match Test series. But his wife Radhika Dhopavkar, who is accompanying Rahane on United Kingdom tour, took to social media to share a couple of pictures of that special debut match of Rahane.

Along with the pictures, Radhika has also paid a tribute of sorts to her husband. It’s a well-documented fact that Rahane comes from a simple, humble, and middle-class family. In several of his interviews, he has also spoken about how he used to board a local train at 5 am in the morning and get to the training area.

Also, the now Test vice-captain had plundered tons of runs in the domestic circuit for Mumbai but could not get a breakthrough in the Indian team, owing to few senior players being in the twilight of their career.

While sharing the post, Radhika mentioned his struggles and the hard work and sweat Rahane had to endure in getting that coveted debut cap. “10 long years! They’ve flown by and how. Those 5 am local train journeys, years of toil in the domestic circuit, and then the long wait to get your first international cap; it’s all been worth the wait, Ajinkya!” she said in the caption while showering praises on her husband.

Radhika further mentioned the several ups and downs he had to endure during this blissful 10 years journey and how she feels extremely proud to have stood by him through thick and thin.

 

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A post shared by Radhika Rahane (@radhika_dhopavkar)

Ajinkya Rahane feeling the heat due to low scores

The right-hand batter, for a brief while, managed to silence his critics by scoring a fighting 61 in India’s epic win at Lords but again failed to contribute significantly in the third Test in Leeds, which meant he has again become critics’ favorite target. With two Tests yet to be played, Rahane would be hoping to make amends in the land where he made a memorable debut 10 years ago. The fourth Test match will begin on Thursday (September 2).