Ajinkya Rahane may have built his biggest legacy in Test cricket, but his contribution in the ODI format deserves equal appreciation. In an era dominated by explosive stroke-makers, Ajinkya Rahane quietly carved out a reputation as a technically sound opener who could anchor an innings, accelerate when required, and deliver on the biggest stages. His elegance, composure and ability to adapt to different match situations made him a valuable asset in India’s one-day setup. While his ODI career featured several memorable performances, three innings stand out for their quality, context and impact.
106 vs England, Birmingham (2014): The Century That Announced Rahane in ODIs
India’s tour of England in 2014 was a defining phase in Ajinkya Rahane’s white-ball career. Chasing a modest target in Birmingham, Rahane grabbed his opportunity with both hands, producing a sublime 106 off just 100 deliveries, decorated with nine boundaries and four sixes.
Opening alongside Shikhar Dhawan, the duo stitched together a magnificent 183-run opening partnership, dismantling England’s bowling attack with a perfect blend of caution and aggression. While Dhawan attacked from one end, Rahane showcased his trademark timing, elegant drives and intelligent strike rotation, ensuring India remained in complete control throughout the chase.
The century was significant not only because it was Rahane’s maiden ODI hundred, but because it guided India to a commanding nine-wicket victory while chasing a 207-run target, which India attained in 30.3 overs and helped secure a historic bilateral ODI series win on English soil. More than the numbers, the innings proved that Rahane could thrive in overseas conditions and perform under pressure.
111 vs Sri Lanka, Cuttack (2014): Ajinkya Rahane’s Highest ODI Score
Later that year, Rahane delivered the finest ODI innings of his career against Sri Lanka in Cuttack.
Scoring 111 off 108 balls, featuring 13 fours and two sixes, Rahane produced a near-flawless batting display built on patience, timing and precision. Once again partnering Shikhar Dhawan at the top, the pair added a massive 231-run opening stand, leaving Sri Lanka with little chance of making a comeback.
Rahane’s innings was a masterclass in constructing an ODI century. He rotated the strike effortlessly, punished loose deliveries and ensured India never lost momentum despite batting first. His knock laid the perfect platform for India to post a formidable 363/5, eventually cruising to a comprehensive 169-run victory.
The innings remains Rahane’s highest individual ODI score and showcased his ability to dominate attacks without compromising his natural style of batting.
79 vs South Africa, Melbourne (2015 World Cup): A World Cup Statement
Not every great ODI innings ends in a century, and Rahane’s 79 off 60 balls against South Africa in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup is a perfect example.
Facing a fearsome pace attack featuring Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, Rahane walked in with the responsibility of maintaining India’s momentum in one of the tournament’s biggest group-stage clashes. Rahane stitched a 125 runs partnership with Shikhar Dhawan (*scored 137 in 146) in 98 balls as it changed the complexion of the match.
Instead of playing cautiously, he counterattacked brilliantly, striking seven fours and three sixes in an innings full of confidence and intent. His ability to shift gears against world-class bowling allowed India to post a challenging 307/7, a total that proved decisive in one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament. India won that match by a huge margin of 130 runs.
Beyond the runs, Ajinkya Rahane’s fearless approach reflected his ability to rise to the occasion when the stage was at its biggest.
A Career Built on Reliability
Ajinkya Rahane’s ODI journey was never about flashy headlines or record-breaking strike rates. It was about understanding match situations, building partnerships and delivering performances that helped India win crucial games.
Whether it was his maiden century in England, his career-best hundred against Sri Lanka or his aggressive World Cup knock against South Africa, Rahane consistently demonstrated the qualities that made him one of India’s most dependable top-order batters.
Ajinkya Rahane’s finest ODI innings serve as a reminder that true match-winners are not always the loudest on the field, they are often the ones who quietly deliver when their team needs them the most.
Also Read:Â SL vs IND: Ajinkya Rahane’s Test Career In Numbers