5 most bankable players from the third Test between India and New Zealand

#3 Ajinkya Rahane

Batting

1st innings - 188 (381)

2nd innings - 23* (20)

The ever-dependable Ajinkya Rahane had a big role to play in India's clean sweep of the Kiwis. The 28-year-old stroked a wonderful 188 in the first innings of the game, putting on a mammoth 365-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Kohli which effectively put New Zealand out of the contest.

It was a knock that began slowly, but gained momentum as the overs went by. Once he had settled in, Rahane began to open up, displaying a good range of shots on the second day. The innings of 188 was a career-high for the Maharashtrian, and he showed how far he has come since his debut.

He held the fort at one end, allowing the Indian captain to play with freedom. After an initial period of struggle against the short ball, Rahane's compact defence and flamboyant stroke-play came to the fore and he made the start count, piling on the runs.