So the first test down under was the nightmare that it was – creating for India some of the most ignominious batting records of all time. The second test witnessed a resurgence under acting skipper Ajinka Rahane when India comprehensively beat the Australians by 8 wickets. Not only were people delighted with the match result, but were also highly enamoured of Rahane in the role of captain.
Australia made a modest 195 in the first innings while India made 326 to take a healthy lead. The second innings saw the Aussies manage just 200. India won easily, finishing the match with 70 for 2.
Leading from the front, Rahane made 112 in the first innings and remained not out with 27 runs in the second.
Some of the tweeple felt that Rahane performed better under his own captaincy than under Virat Kohli's leadership.
Obviously the tweeple had a field day creating funny memes about the second test where India beat Australia.
It was an all-round performance by the Indian team – the batsmen did well and the bowlers really came through to keep the pressure on the Aussies throughout the match.
Rahane’s super-restrained reaction to winning a hugely significant match was impressive to say the least.
Bowler Mohammed Siraj picked up 2 wickets in the first innings and 3 in the second. He becomes the first India debutant to pick five wickets in a Test in 7 years and joins an elite class of bowlers who have achieved this.
Cricket fans are fickle – if they worship faithfully, they also hate fiercely. Stars are quickly elevated to the skies for good performances and are as quickly knocked off their pedestals if they fail to perform.
The comparisons in the two styles of captaincy started soon enough.
The tweeple assumed that Rahane's captaincy in this one match will endanger Kohli’s captaincy – or at the very least put his nose out of joint a bit.
The tweeple assumed that Kohli fans were also annoyed and jealous of Rahane's performance.
Kohli is thought to be something of a prima donna in Indian cricket, while people see Rahane as more balanced and egalitarian.
The tweeple felt that team India under Rahane probably has a more homey feel.
People now see Ajinkya Rahane as viable alternative to Kohli – particularly in the longest form of the game.
In Kohli’s absence team India and Rahane did what they needed to do. And they did it well.
The ever witty Wasim Jaffer had this to add. Now all eyes are trained on the third India-Australia test scheduled to be played in Sydney followed by the fourth test in Brisbane.
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