(Image source from: Ajinkya Rahane slams a ton)

At No. 7, most batsmen struggle to survive in the pitch, leave alone surviving for the longest innings possible. But the 25-year-old Ajinkya Rahane, batting for India at the tricky spot, is no ordinary batsman.

Rather just nudging the ball around and trying to stay in the wicket as long as possible, from ball 1, he took control of his side, slamming a 118 of 158 ball in the second Test against New Zealand at Wellington this morning.

Rahane walked in after Rohit Sharma's wicket fell. While opener Shikhar Dhawan had already added 98 runs to India's reply to New Zealand's 192, the hosts had struck back with crucial wickets. But Rahane  put up a tough fight.

With Virat Kohli in tow, Rahane set out to do some serious damage control. The duo put on 63 runs for the sixth wicket on the scoreboard before Kohli's wicket dropped.

Rahane joined by skipper MS Dhoni, slammed a fifty before tea and was unbeaten at 64 during the break.

The 25 year-old middle order batsman reached 100 soon after tea. His hundred came off 149 deliveries and included 15 boundaries.

This is Rahane's first Test century in his fifth match and 9th innings.

Rahane's previous best was 96 against South Africa in Durban.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury