Who Said What: World reacts to Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane's career-best Test scores
Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli registered their career-best Test scores as India eventually declared on 557/5 after tea on day two of the second Test between India and New Zealand. In reply, New Zealand ended the day on 28/0.
The day began with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane at the crease and India on 267/3 and it took another two sessions and nearly 200 more runs before the partnership between the pair was eventually. By the time it was, Kohli had already registered his career-best Test score and broken an Indian record in the process as well.
Also Read: Stats: Virat Kohli becomes the first Indian captain to score two Test double centuries
By the time, he was gone, he and Rahane had broken the Indian record for the fourth-wicket partnership in Tests and eventually a tired Kohli was dismissed on 211 after a marathon innings. Although Rahane eventually fell 12 short of his maiden double century, the damage was well and truly done and a late Rohit Sharma fifty meant India declared the innings on 557/5.
In reply, New Zealand starting the innings on 5/0 courtesy of Ravindra Jadeja’s penalty for running on the danger area for a second time. When New Zealand came on to bat, they managed to see out the day without any wickets lost.
Virat Kohli is improving as a batsman and leader: Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane admitted that he enjoyed his time in the middle but struggled yesterday. He said: “I enjoyed my time in the middle. I was struggling a bit yesterday, but it was important to hang in there. Virat's message to me was to just hang in there. Communication between both of us was the key, and I really loved it.
“Yesterday they had some plan against me. Yes, I was struggling and there's no shame in admitting that. I'm happy with the way I maintained my composure. Today once I got my hundred, I wanted to dominate, particularly the spinners. After I crossed 150, I wanted to get to 180 quickly and then take my time for the double.
“But that partnership between us was crucial and memorable. It was great to see Virat bat the way he did, learnt a lot of things. He's improving as a batsman and a leader. It was very humid and we were tired after tea. We wanted to play shots, but it was tough.
Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja’s penalty results in New Zealand starting the innings on 5/0
Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:
Virat Kohli was at the centre of all the praise. Former England international Alex Tudor:
I see my boy @imVkohli is going big #daddyhundred make them pay for a few low scores earlier in the series #indvsnz
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) October 9, 2016
VVS Laxman:
Take a bow @imVkohli What a splendid display of focus,positivity and determinationKeep it up #indvsnz @BCCI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 9, 2016
Robin Uthappa:
Amazing knock @imVkohli . Champion stuff!!
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 9, 2016
Dean Jones:
Just letting you all know the bleeding obvious...that @imVkohli can play!! #bygodhecanplay!
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) October 9, 2016
Aakash Chopra:
HUNGER. If yesterday was about Discipline, today was about Virat's insatiable hunger for runs. Clinical. Take a bow #INDvsNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 9, 2016
Anjum Chopra:
Take a bow Virat! India is proud to have you play for the nation @BCCI. A Class apart! 200 and counting #INDvNZ #Indore
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) October 9, 2016
But that didn't mean Ajinkya Rahane’s contribution was forgotten.
VVS Laxman:
Congrats @ajinkyarahane88 U might have missed a 200 but u have won lot of hearts.Appreciate ur selfless attitudeTeam above urself@BCCI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 9, 2016
Harbhajan Singh:
211 for captain @imVkohli 188 for vice captain @ajinkyarahane88 bhut badiya Subash..
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 9, 2016
Tom Moody got his predictions spot on as the pair put on 365 and India piled on a massive total.
Partnership of 258 between @imVkohli & @ajinkyarahane88 things looking pretty desperate for New Zealand. #indvnz #lookingdownthebarrel
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) October 9, 2016
Michael Vaughan:
Great to see a huge crowd watching the Test in India ... Masterclass on show by @imVkohli & @ajinkyarahane88 ... #INDvNZ
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 9, 2016