Ranji trophy 2021-22: Ajinkya Rahane finds form ahead of Lanka Tests with a crucial century for Mumbai

Indian veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane brought up his 36th first-class century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2021-22 season for the Mumbai side on day one of their Group D fixture at the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Rahane has been under severe criticism in the last few months for his long inconsistent run of scores and was on the verge of getting dropped for the Sri Lanka home series until he opted to play Ranji Trophy season.

Rahane remained unbeaten on 108 at the end of day one and he brought up his century in 212 balls. It was a solid knock from the right-hander as he hit 14 fours and two sixes and formed a crucial partnership alongside Sarfaraz Khan who also brought up his century as well. Skipper Prithvi Shaw fell early for just one run while his partner Aakarshit Gomel followed him soon as well.

Rahane came in at four when the score was 22 for two, carried the team on his shoulders as he did for India in the past in tough conditions. The defending champions Saurashtra had a very good seam attack comprising of skipper Jaydev Unadkat and Chetan Sakariya and the Rahane had been under immense pressure coming into the tournament. Cheteshwar Pujara who has been watching Rahane’s innings from the field has also been going through a rough patch of form in Tests and he will get his opportunity to find form as well for Saurashtra.

Ajinkya Rahane’s dipping numbers in recent times

After the Melbourne century in 2021, Rahane has failed to score a century and has managed just two fifties entirely in the year which is one of his lowest productive years. His overall average in the longest format has dropped from the mid 40s to 38 and is no longer the reliable Rahane he was, especially in the overseas conditions.

To add to that, Rahane was removed from the Test vice-captaincy role ahead of South Africa tour despite his impressive captaincy numbers and missed out on the chance to lead India with Virat Kohli stepping down from the role. Meanwhile, the partnership of 219 runs between Rahane and Sarfaraz had taken Mumbai to 263 for three at the end of day one and they had dictated terms so far in the game.