Rahane is brave, smart, and has the respect of his team: Ian Chappell

New Delhi: Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has praised Ajinkya Rahane captained India flawlessly to level series after beating Australia in the second Test at Melbourne terming the Mumbaikar comes across a 'born leader', capable of being both 'smart and brave'.Under Rahane, India came back strongly in Melbourne after their humiliating loss in the first Test in Adelaide, winning by eight wickets.

"It was no surprise that Ajinkya Rahane captained India flawlessly at the MCG; anyone who saw him in charge in Dharamsala in 2017 would have recognised a man born to lead cricket teams," Chappell wrote in his column for a leading cricket website’.

In that match, India had beaten Australia by eight wickets in the fourth Test to wrap up the series 2-1. Rahane remained not out on 38 in India’s run chase — just like at the MCG — after scoring 46 in the first innings.

"The moment that caught my attention in the Dharamsala match was the time Rahane called on debutant left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav when David Warner and Steve Smith were involved in a century partnership. "This is a brave move," I thought, and it turned out to be a very smart one.(UNI)