'Despite your swollen finger, you refused a scan' - Ajinkya Rahane's wife Radhika explains star's courageous decision in WTC 2023 Final

Australia posted a mammoth 469 in their first Innings to hold the command in the ongoing WTC final since Day 1. However, after suffering a top-order collapse, the Rohit Sharma-led side gradually crawled their way back into the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, on the back of some resilient batting efforts by Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur. Thereafter, some efficient second innings bowling by the Indian bowlers has kept Team India in the hunt.

Notably, after losing KS Bharat early on Day 3, Rahane combined with Thakur to stitch together an invaluable partnership of 109 runs, which helped India to avoid the follow-on. There were multiple occasions throughout the innings where Indian batters were tested with some hostile Australian bowling. In fact, some deliveries even ended up hitting the batters on their bodies. Despite taking all those body blows, the duo of Rahane and Thakur still managed to get India to a respectable total.

After this valiant batting effort, the veteran Indian batter, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his delight at his comeback knock and also stated about his injury that it was painful but quite manageable after he got his index finger stung by the ball during the innings. Considering this resilient effort, Radhika Dhopavkar, the wife of Ajinkya Rahane took to Instagram and posted a heartwarming message.

"Despite your swollen finger, you refused a scan to protect your mindset and focused on batting, displaying incredible selflessness and determination. With unwavering resilience and commitment, you took your place at the crease, inspiring us all. I'm forever proud of your unwavering team spirit, my resilient partner. Love you endlessly!" Radhika wrote on Instagram.

Australia are slightly ahead in the game: Rahane

After some brilliant fightback from the Indian lower middle-order and arguably dominating the third day of the WTC Final, the Pat Cummins-led side find their noses ahead in the competition. Speaking to the broadcaster, Rahane also admitted to the same and also pointed out that for India it is essential to be in the moment and play session by session. 

"Australia is slightly ahead in the game. For us, it's important to be in the moment, play session by session. The first one hour will be crucial tomorrow (Day 4). We know funny things can happen. Still feel wicket will help seam bowlers," Rahane concluded.