WTC Final 2023: Ajinkya Rahane refused scans to continue fighting for India with swollen finger: Wife Radhika

The 35-year-old, who was out of the Indian team for 18 months, was hit on his right hand’s index finger on a Pat Cummins delivery. The Mumbai batter was attended by Team India physio immediately after which he wore a finger cap on the injured finger.

Showing his fighting spirit for which he is known for, Rahane, who led India to a memorable 2-1 win in Australia during the 2018-19 tour, showed a monk-like concentration and helped India recover from the top-order collapse with two crucial partnerships.

He partnered for 71 runs for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja. Later, he forged a 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Shardul Thakur. The two partnerships helped India finish their first innings at 296 in reply to Australia’s 469.

Ajinkya Rahane hailed by wife for ‘unwavering team spirit’

The comeback knock by Rahane impressed one and all as the batter was praised by millions of fans. After the revelation from Rahane’s wife that the middle-order batter had a swollen finger and refused scans to avoid any loss of focus, the acknowledgement for the knock is set to surge further.

“Despite your swollen finger, you refused a scan to protect your mindset and focused on batting, displaying incredible selflessness and determination. With unwavering resilience and commitment, you took your place at the crease, inspiring us all. I’m forever proud of your unwavering team spirit, my resilient partner. Love you endlessly!” Radhika has written on her Instagram post alongside pictures of Rahane.

Talking to the broadcasters after the end of Day 3 play, Rahane made it clear that the injury should not cause him trouble in the second innings.

“Don’t think it will affect (my) batting (in India’s second innings),” Rahane told the broadcaster at the end of the third day’s play.”