Sports · Cricket · 46 mins ago
Rahane says a brave front helped India recover after being bowled out for 36
Ajinkya Rahane says he hid his nerves after India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide during the 2020-21 Australia tour.
He took over as captain from Virat Kohli, who returned home after the first Test, which India lost by eight wickets.
India faced doubts about their chances as injuries weakened the team and people predicted a 4-0 series loss.
Rahane said he put on a confident face in front of his teammates, Australia and the media to help keep belief alive.
He urged the players to focus on representing India and supporting one another, rather than worrying about the result.
India won the series 2-1, with Rahane scoring 112 in the second Test and the team winning the final match at the Gabba by three wickets.
The comeback turned a 36-run collapse into a historic series win in Australia.
Ajinkya Rahane said he hid his nerves behind a brave front after India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide during the 2020-21 Australia tour.
Rahane took over as captain from Virat Kohli, who returned home after the first Test.
He said he wanted teammates, Australia and the media to see confidence despite his nervousness and the team’s injuries.
India went on to win the series 2-1, with victories in Melbourne and Brisbane and a draw in Sydney.
Rahane recalled sharing the story at an event, where he described urging teammates to play for those who had not yet represented India.
- Who
- Ajinkya Rahane, who took over as India captain from Virat Kohli.
- What
- Rahane said he bluffed confidence after India were bowled out for 36, helping his team regain confidence.
- When
- During the 2020-21 Australia tour; Rahane recounted it at an event in 2026.
- Where
- Adelaide, Australia, after the first Test; Rahane spoke at an event in Mumbai.
- Why
- He said he wanted to keep the team’s confidence alive and focus players on representing India despite nerves and injuries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India were bowled out for 36 and lost the first Test by eight wickets.
Kohli returned home and Rahane took over as captain for the remainder of the series.
Rahane scored 112 as India won the second Test by eight wickets to level the series.
India drew the third Test.
India chased 328 to win by three wickets and seal the series 2-1.
- India’s total in Adelaide
- 36, its lowest-ever Test total
- Series
- 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
- Series result
- India won 2-1
- Rahane’s Melbourne score
- 112
- Gabba chase
- India chased 328 to win by three wickets
3 sources
What people are saying
I was nervous, frankly. I'll be really honest. But as a sportsman, you get to learn so many things, and the most important learning and the most important thing for me was to bluff in front of my teammates, bluff in front of the Aussies, (and) bluff in front of the media.
I was nervous, frankly. I will be really honest. But as a sportsperson, you get to learn so many things and the most important learning and the most important thing for me was to bluff in front of my teammates, bluff in front of the Aussies, and bluff in front of the media.
I will take all the responsibility, but let's enjoy the game, play for each other