Ajinkya Rahane, who is often compared with 'The Wall' of Indian Cricket Rahul Dravid because of his technique and patience, on Sunday, showcased a prolific display of aggression and class to put India in a commanding position in the third and final Test against New Zealand here at the Holkar Stadium.
Skipper Virat Kohli (211) and Rahane shared a 365 run partnership, which was India's highest-ever partnership for the fourth wicket and broke some records on Day Two besides breaking the New Zealand's back as well.
While Kohli scored his second double century in Test cricket, the vice-captain scored 188 runs help their team declare for 557/5.
The 28-year-old right hand batsman also asserted that it was really special to share the record 365-run partnership with the Test skipper.
"It feels really special. We were 100-3 and from there getting 365 runs, it really feels special. This partnership will remain in our memory for long time," Rahane told the media.
"Today we both decided after we got our hundreds that we want to dominate the spinners because it was really hot and humid out there and we wanted the fast bowlers to bowl at us so that we could get more runs," he added.
Rahane, for whom Dravid is one of his role models, said he has learnt a lot from 'the Wall'.
"I have learnt a lot from Rahul bhai. He is a role model for me. I was fortunate that I got the opportunity to play alongside him. We both discussed many a times about all forms of cricket, whether it is T20, ODIs or Tests. What was important for me was to how much I could learn from him," he added.
"He always tells me that if I don't think about runs and concentrate on my batting only, runs will automatically come. Many a times, it happens that we think about runs and by doing so, our mind goes into future and we are not able to concentrate on our batting," he added.
Resuming the day at 267-3, Kohli and Rahane expected the short stuff from New Zealand players but they dominated the Black Caps and batted brilliantly to deny the bowlers any wicket in the first two sessions on Sunday.
Rahane, who was visibly uncomfortable against the short pitched delivery on Saturday, was once again attacked with the same length but the Mumbaikar showed great temperament and patience to battle the visitors and restricted himself from playing and any risky shot.
The 28-year-old batsman, who made his Test debut against Australia in 2013, has now hit eight centuries and is one of India's batting mainstay.
With India having a long home Test season ahead, one can only expect many more centuries from Rahane.
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