'You should respect your opponents even if you create history' - Ajinkya Rahane on why he refused to cut a cake with Kangaroo on it

Ajinkya Rahane led from the front in admirable fashion against Australia down under in a riveting Test series between the two sides. After the first Test, not only was the Indian side humiliated after being bowled out for just 36, their skipper and batting talisman Virat Kohli headed back home for the birth of his child.

In the face of adversity, Rahane stood up, both with the bat and on the field. In the second Test, it was his scintillating century that allowed India to beat Australia by 8 wickets and level the series. In the entire series, Rahane was in decent form with the willow. He scored 268 runs at an average of 38.29.

But more than that, it was the way he handled his side which was filled with injuries that is commendable. The lack of star players did not hurt the Indian side, as they put up a performance that will be talked about for a long time, with Ajinkya Rahane at the helm. And now, he deserves our respect, not only as a leader but also as a person.

After his arrival in India, the Indian skipper was given a grand welcome. Rahane was asked to cut a cake with a Kangaroo on it. But then, he refused to do so. He stated that the Kangaroo is the national animal of Australia, and he would treat his opponents with respect even if his side creates history. The stand-in skipper said that it was because of this reason that he refused to cut the special cake that was offered to him on his return.

“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,” said the 32-year-old in a chat with Harsha Bhogle.

Rahane admits that he is tired in a ‘good way’

Ajinkya Rahane also admitted that he is tired on a ‘good way’ after the grueling series against Australia. “Yes, but in a good way,” was his candid response when asked about how he felt after a long tour of Australia.

Here’s the whole conversation:

Always wanted to ask @ajinkyarahane88 about the cake he was offered with a kangaroo on it and why he refused to cut it. The small things that tell you more about a person. More of this conversation on his FB page. pic.twitter.com/YZwwQKlFJq

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 30, 2021

Rahane cannot afford to rest for long. Next up, the England side will be visiting Indian shores for a challenging four-match Test series that starts on February 5th, 2021 in Chennai. And, regular skipper Virat Kohli will be back to lead the side, and Rahane will don the role of deputy.

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