Ajinkya Rahane, the stand-in India captain, is receiving praise from all quarters for his gesture towards Ravindra Jadeja after being run out in the ongoing Melbourne Test.

Continuing from India’s overnight score of 277-5, the pair of Rahane and Jadeja added 17 more runs on the third day before an ill-timed run out triggered another Indian collapse. Needing just a single to complete his half-century, Jadeja pushed for a quick run and Rahane obliged but was caught short of the crease courtesy a bullet throw from Marnus Labuschagne and swift glovework from Tim Paine.

Even though it was Jadeja’s urgency, and perhaps his desperation to reach a landmark that cost Rahane his wicket, the India skipper didn’t let emotions get the better of him, patting the all-rounder and giving a fist bump in a consoling manner before walking back to the pavilion. The gracious gesture from Rahane left many impressed.

https://twitter.com/RMokshJain/status/1343362786097696768?s=20

Rahane’s wicket was the first of five that India lost for just 32 runs, ultimately folding for 326 to end the first innings with a lead of 131 runs. While the India captain top-scored with 112 runs, Jadeja completed his 50 as well, scoring 57 runs before falling to Mitchell Starc.

Rahane has made a habit out of making magnanimous gestures whenever he steps in as stand-in skipper. Against Afghanistan in 2018, he won praise for inviting the touring side to join in the celebratory trophy shots, with the game marking the Afghans’ first in the longest format. And on day one of the ongoing MCG Test, he made Mohammed Siraj feel right at home, giving the debutant the honour of leading India from the field after his impressive two-wicket burst helped bowl Australia out cheaply.

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Ravindra JadejaAustralia v IndiaAjinkya RahaneSeries Editorial