India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 102 runs against the West Indies in the second innings of the first Test match, said the century in Antigua was “really special”.
On Sunday, Rahane scored a ton after a long dry patch of 17 Test matches. In the first innings, Rahane scored 81 runs before getting out. And eventually, the Mumbaikar won the Man of the Match award.
Rahane was involved in a crucial 135 run partnership with Hanuma Vihari (93) in India’s second innings to help his team post a challenging target of 419 runs to the Windies before Jasprit Bumrah’s fifer blew away the opponents.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rahane said: “Feels really special. I thought the first innings was very crucial for us. The partnership between me and Rahul was very crucial. Before this, I played county games for Hampshire and that helped me.”
“I dedicate this award to the people who have backed me for the last one and a half to two years. I think first day of the game, the wicket was really damp. We knew if we stay there the runs would come. The plan was to bat, bat and bat,” he added.
India will now take on the hosts in the second and final Test at Sabina Park in Kingston from August 30.
(With inputs from IANS)