5. 96 vs South Africa, Durban (2013)
Rahane announced himself as a genuine overseas Test batter in just his second Test. On a treacherous Kingsmead surface against Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel, India stumbled before Rahane produced a gritty 96. He fell four runs short of a deserved hundred, but the innings proved he possessed the temperament to thrive in difficult overseas conditions.
4. 118 vs New Zealand, Wellington (2014)
Coming in at No. 7 with India under pressure, Rahane crafted his maiden Test century on a lively Basin Reserve pitch. His 118 helped India avoid defeat after New Zealand had threatened to run away with the match. It remains one of his finest rescue acts and established him as India’s dependable traveller.
3. 147 vs Australia, Melbourne (2014)
Facing Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Josh Hazlewood at the MCG, Rahane played one of the most elegant innings of his career. His 147, alongside Virat Kohli’s 169, dragged India back into the contest after Australia piled up 530. The knock showcased his sublime back-foot play and impeccable technique on one of cricket’s biggest stages.
2. 103 vs England, Lord’s (2014)
Every Indian batter dreams of a place on the Lord’s honours board. Rahane achieved it under demanding conditions on a green pitch after India had slipped to 145 for seven. His composed 103 laid the foundation for India’s memorable victory, their first Test win at Lord’s in 28 years, cementing his reputation as an overseas specialist.
1. 112 vs Australia, Melbourne (2020)
This was more than just a century. It was one of India’s defining Test innings of the modern era.
After the trauma of the 36 all out in Adelaide and with Virat Kohli unavailable, stand-in captain Rahane walked into an emotionally battered dressing room. His unbeaten authority against Australia’s world-class attack steadied India before his 121-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja turned the match. India won the Boxing Day Test, levelled the series and eventually conquered Australia at the Gabba.
Few innings have changed the course of an overseas series as dramatically as Rahane’s unbeaten leadership masterclass at the MCG.
Published on Jul 30, 2026
