After 159, Rahane dismisses ‘too old for India’ talk

For the slightly older set of cricket fans, Saturday revived a lot of good memories watching their favourite cricketers - Rohit Sharma (67 Tests, 276 ODIs, 159 ‘T20!Is) Virat Kohli (123 Tests, 305 ODIs, 125 T20Is) shining in the Sydney ODI, and their longtime teammate Ajinkya Rahane (85 Tests, 90 ODIs, 20 T20Is) scoring a fighting Ranji Trophy to bail out Mumbai against Chhattisgarh

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

The three batters formed the backbone of India’s batting for most part of the last decade, along with the now retired Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara. Rohit, 38, Kohli, 36, and Rahane, 37, are all nearing the end of their distinguished careers, but their batting displays was proof they still have some cricket left in them.

Rohit and Kohli now only play only the 50-over format for India while Rahane plies his trade in domestic cricket.

Rohit’s century in the final ODI in Sydney was treat to watch as he played a series of breathtaking shots on way to an unbeaten 121 in 125 balls. Kohli served up a masterclass in technical brilliance on way to 74 not out off 81 balls, their unbroken 168-run stand giving India a consolation win.

In Mumbai, Rahane silenced his detractors with an invaluable 159 that lifted Mumbai past 400 from 38/3 against Chhattisgarh.