Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane to receive Arjuna Award

India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will receive the 2016 Arjuna Award for his contribution to sports. Rahane is perhaps one of the most consistent batsmen in the Indian batting lineup at the moment and it remains to be seen what the 27-year old can achieve from here. Apurvi Chandela, Lalita Babar, and Shiva Thapa are among the other awardees.

The 27-year old Ajinkya Rahane grabbed all the headlines when he smashed his seventh and eighth century in the ongoing series against the West Indies. Although Rahane has not really been challenged by a West Indies side that is going through a terrible transition at the moment, one thing that is clear is the fact that Rahane is as tough as nails and has showcased a combination of grit and character in the past.

#FLASH Arjuna Awards 2016 being awarded to 15 sportspersons, Ajinkya Rahane, Lalita Babar, Shiva Thapa & Apurvi Chandela amongst awardees.

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 22, 2016

Ajinkya Rahane burst onto the scene domestically as a youngster, but, had to wait a while to make his mark in international cricket. He was a part of the Test side that toured England in the summer of 2014 and impressed heavily with the bat. His century in the first innings at Lord’s told a distinct story of his tremendous batting abilities.

He smashed a magnificent century on a green track and impressed one and all when he managed to fend off the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, perhaps the deadliest combination in World Cricket at the moment. His nomination has also been well received by many especially those who are a fan of his soft personality and gritty batting abilities. In a nutshell, he is clearly the incarnation of Rahul Dravid in the Indian cricket team at the moment.

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The awards will be conferred by the President Pranab Mukherjee on August 29, the National Sports Day.