On Sunday, Virat Kohli gave a shout-out to Ajinkya Rahane for his unbeaten 104-run effort in the Test series against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India ended the second day at 277/5, holding an 82-run advantage. Despite Australia's bowlers initially dismantling the top order, Rahane and Jadeja fought back during the final session, showing the grit needed to seize control of the game. The duo combined for a solid 104-run stand for the sixth wicket.
At day 2 end of the play, India scoreboard displayed 277/5 and had a lead of 82 runs over Australia. Australian bowlers were successful in scalping the top-order wickets of India however within the final session, Rahane and Jadeja showed grit and determination to put India in a firm position and take control of the match. Rahane along with Jadeja put on a partnership of 104 runs for the sixth wicket.
In a tweet, Kohli mentioned how rewarding it was to see a proper Test match unfolding and hailed Rahane's batting as a standout performance. Kohli is currently back home after the first Test, having been granted paternity leave by the BCCI to welcome his first child with wife Anushka Sharma.
Rahane and Jadeja are set to carry the momentum forward into the third day of the second Test. This performance marks the eighth time Rahane has scored a century away from home and is his first hundred since taking over the captaincy.
With this innings, Rahane became only the second Indian player to score a century in his debut match as captain in Australia. Earlier in the game, India's bowling attack dominated, bowling Australia out for 195 on day one, thanks to a strong performance from Bumrah with four wickets and Ashwin with three.