Two-and-a-half years ago Ajinkya Rahane made his Test debut against Australia at the Ferozeshah Kotla and had got out cheaply in both innings.
On Friday, after scoring a century in the fourth and final Test against South Africa at the Kotla, Rahane was delighted.
“It is a very special hundred for me because I made my debut in Delhi. I had few things in mind — those memories from against Australia.
“I was pretty determined to bat well. I knew I was batting really well. But it was important to spend time in the middle and later on look for a big innings,” said Rahane.
“When we were at 138 for six, I recalled that even at Lord’s (in July last year) we were 142 for seven: same situation. I was just thinking of communicating with other batsmen and back my instincts.
“When Ashwin came in, I told him that if the ball is there to be hit, I will go after it. The response from him was crucial. He was really positive from his end.”
Maintaining that he was happy to have forged partnerships with Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli, Rahane said stroke-making, if not impossible, was not easy on the pitch.
About his below-par performances in the previous matches, Rahane said: “In the first two matches, I was looking to play shots initially and that’s why I got out. Sanjay Bangar and Ravi Shastri said you just got to take your time initially.
“Here I just wanted to take time and play as close to my body (as possible) and wait for loose balls. Determination and patience helped me in this innings.”
Asked about his response to the observations made by one-day captain M.S. Dhoni on his batting in the sub-continent, Rahane said: “Before this innings, one good session in Nagpur, two good sessions in Delhi and a good chat with the team management (helped). I never think about what others are saying but I take their opinion, look to improve and move forward.”
Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara, who was hit in his hand while fielding at one of the close-in positions, had an x-ray as a precautionary measure.