The return of Ajinkya Rahane to the Indian team for the ICC World Test Championship final has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. MSK Prasad, a former Indian selector, has voiced faith in Rahane, citing his strong away record.
Pat Cummins-led Australia will take on India in the WTC final on June 7 at Kia Oval in London.
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In the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval starting on June 7, Ajinkya Rahane could find himself in a life-or-death position. This will be his first red-ball game for India in 18 months. Rahane aims to “keep it simple” and hopes that his superb timing from the IPL carries over to London as he quickly switches from the T20 game to the five-day version.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: “Slight Favorite”- Ricky Ponting Gives Australia The Edge Over India In WTC Final
Early in 2022, the difficult decision to remove both Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from the Test squad following the series defeat in South Africa was made, but the latter found his way back into the lineup following a successful season in county cricket that same year.
Rahane, who has played in 82 Test matches, had to wait one more year to make a comeback. He received his national call-up after scoring runs in the Ranji Trophy, and more recently after his IPL comeback that impressed everyone.
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If Shreyas Iyer had been healthy, he very well may not have received the recall, but both form and good fortune contributed to his comeback. The clock will be ticking for Rahane when he enters the batting order at The Oval since the much younger Iyer has already established himself in the middle order.
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“Ajinkya Rahane did not do well and lost his place”- MSK Prasad
According to MSK Prasad, Ajinkya Rahane, one of the most seasoned cricketers in the Indian team, lost his place owing to poor performance. Rahane’s consistency in Tests isn’t particularly evident from his average of 38.52, but former top selector MSK Prasad believes that if the veteran batter does well in the crucial WTC final, he should be kept around moving forward.
“First all of Ajinkya has got a fantastic record in away series. He has got runs almost everywhere. He did not do well and lost his place but in the last 18 months, he has played a lot of domestic cricket and got a lot of runs,” Prasad, who led the selection committee between 2016-2020, told PTI.
“I do understand that Iyer was doing well but it (his injury) could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for India. If he does well, why not continue with him” MSK Prasad added.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: “Slight Favorite”- Ricky Ponting Gives Australia The Edge Over India In WTC Final
Ajinkya Rahane has domestic experience, but playing Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood with the Dukes will be a different story. Rahane will, without a doubt, rise to the occasion.
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