Greatest Test innings by Indian batsmen post-2007 that wasn't a century

#4 Ajinkya Rahane 48 vs South Africa, 2018

Rahane's technically sound batting helped India salvage their pride at the Wanderers

Ajinkya Rahane is one of the most technically sound and effective batsmen produced by India in recent years. His importance as a vital cog in the Indian middle order can be gauged by the fact that he has scored centuries in difficult batting tracks such as Lord's, Melbourne and Wellington. His overseas batting average is a staggering 50+.

However, coming into the South African series, the vice-captain was under some sort of pressure having managed only 17 runs in 5 innings against Sri Lanka. He was drooped for the first 2 Tests at the expense of the in-form Rohit Sharma. Sharma's failure, however, paved the way for Rahane's inclusion in the third Test.

Coming into the third Test, Rahane had an opportunity to claim back his place which he did beautifully. On a super difficult Johannesburg track, Rahane scored only 9 runs in the first innings as both teams bundled out under 200, a reflection of the tough nature of the wicket. In the second innings though, Rahane made up for his loss by top scoring with a supreme 48 on day 4. As time progressed, the pitch only became much more difficult for batsmen which further magnifies the importance of his contribution.

Coming in to bat at a time when team India was tattering at 134-5, Rahane supremely countered the pace and bounce of the wicket and essayed a delightful innings of 48 against the likes of Rabada, Morkel, and Philander. His innings was filled with superbly timed shots and the only poor shot he offered, to a delivery straying down the leg, plotted his downfall. Having set a target of 241, India went on to win the match by 63 runs, thanks to the pacers' efforts. However, Rahane's vital contribution was largely responsible for India maintaining their spotless record at the Wanderers.