India, July 30 -- Ajinkya Rahane never had it easy. Even the weather gods tested his resolve. After a bowling masterclass from India's bowlers at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test match, the Melbourne sky turned dark on Day 2. The batters had to do it the hard way.

During the 2020-21 Australian tour, Rahane captained India after regular skipper Virat Kohli had left for home for personal reasons. Without their ace batter and the lingering aftertaste of 36 all out from the previous Test match, Rahane stepped out to bat at cricket's theatre of dreams.

The MCG can be anything but intimate. With its grand terraces, vast expanse of patterned outfield, and massive stands, the scale feels every bit imposing.

For Rahane, though, this is where he h...