Here's what Ajinkya Rahane has to say after his match-winning performance against West Indies
Ajinkya Rahane dedicated his match winning display in the first Test against the Caribbean side to all those who supported and stood by him during the past two years when he went through a difficult phase in his career.
Ajinkya Rahane amassed 81 runs in the first innings and went on to score 102 in the second, which was also is first Test century in two years. He also recieved the Man of the Match award for is performance.
"This hundred was special. My time with Hampshire really helped me. I dedicate this hundred to the people who backed me, supported me when I was going through a rough patch," Rahane said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
This was Ajinkya Rahane’s 10th Test century, he had gone 17 Tests without a century.
"It feels special. Getting this hundred after 29 or 30 innings. I've been getting 70s, but getting a 100 means a lot to me," Rahane said after India dismissed the hosts for 100 in 26.5 overs in the second innings.
Rahane also went on to tag his 81 runs innings as pivotal looking at the situation of the game when he came into bat.
"The first innings was crucial after 20 for 3 (25 for 3). We needed a partnership, and the partnership between Rahul and me was crucial. I think first day the wicket was damp. West Indies bowled really well in that session. But it was important to play as many balls as possible without thinking about runs," said the 31-year-old vice-captain.
"We wanted to bat 90-100 overs in the first innings knowing runs would come. In the 2nd innings, me and Virat wanted to get a good partnership. We wanted to just bat, bat and bat."
India will face the West Indies in the second Test on 30th August in Jamaica.
