Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane are India's best Test players: Virat Kolhi

Bengaluru: Cheteshwar Pujara (92) and Ajinkya Rahane (52) struck invaluable fifties in the second innings to stitch the first 100-run partnership of the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The partnership proved to be the match-winning stand as it helped India to turn the match on its head and set Australia a target of 188 in Bengaluru.

The visiting team succumbed to Indian bowlers as they were bundled out for 112 and lost the second Test by 75 runs.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has hailed the batting duo as India’s best Test players for their match-winning contributions.

“After conceding the lead that was a champion partnership. The only 100-run partnership in the series so far. Two guys stepping up, I would say two best Test players we have got in our side and showed so much character, technique and heart to pull the team out of trouble and to get the lead,” captain Kohli said at the post match presentation ceremony.

“I think Wrddhi’s (Wriddhiman Saha) knock in the end was bonus for us, even Ishant (Sharma), the way he applied himself. Every run was important but those two guys, after being four down the way they batted, was absolutely pleasing to see,” added Kohli.

With the Bengaluru win, India have levelled the series 1-1.