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.

Ajinkya Rahane‘s response towards teammate Ravendra Jadeja after being run out speaks volumes for his leadership … given the circumstances he played one of the finest innings by a visiting captain to AUS … outstanding knock 👏🏏 #AUSvIND

— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) December 28, 2020

Nice gesture from Rahane, he was encouraging Jadeja after the mistake which lead to the wicket through runout of the captain. pic.twitter.com/m9Fv0SP5QT

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2020

Nice gesture from Rahane, he was encouraging Jaddu after the mistake which lead to the wicket through runout of the captain. 🙌👏👏

Gentleman @ajinkyarahane88 ❤❤😍@imVkohli should learn from this!!#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/yEYggDIGWA

— Lakshya Singh (@Lakshya_sngh) December 28, 2020

That pat on the back to Jadeja by Rahane after the run-out shows the leadership qualities of Rahane, that small gesture could have relived Jadeja of any guilt of getting his captain run-out!#AUSvsIND

— Cricket Buffs (@RMokshJain) December 28, 2020

Must admit it was a really good gesture by Rahane to fist bump & calm Jadeja and asking him to go on and make it big. https://t.co/u7WA2EgOhi

— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) December 28, 2020

That was a fantastic knock from Rahane and a nice gesture as he saw the outcome on the big screen to give Jadeja a quick acknowledgement. #AUSvIND

— Tom Bragg 👨🏻‍🦰 (@tombragg9) December 28, 2020

Fabulous gesture by Rahane, patting Jadeja despite getting run-out, more like go on Jaddu, carry on what you've been doing well so far. What a selfless guy!!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/VotuKRfYyT

— ⚡AK⚡ (@ak10_amelia) December 28, 2020

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.

India’s fall of wickets today:

294-6
306-7
325-8
325-9
326 all out

The collapsing habit hasn’t disappeared completely.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/fAMRsQTw9B

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) December 28, 2020

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.