Ravi Shastri is happy that India was chosen to host WTC23
Ravi Shastri, the ex-head coach of the Indian cricket team, has praised the decision made by the selectors to include the experienced batsman in the squad for the ICC World Test Championship Final.
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On Tuesday, 25th April, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the list of players selected for the upcoming clash against Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship.
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While many of the names in the squad were anticipated, the inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane came as an unexpected surprise.
Ajinkya Rahane’s last appearance for the Indian cricket team in Test matches was in January 2022, after which he fell out of favor in the red-ball setup.
Prior to being excluded, Rahane had a disastrous 2021 season, managing only 479 runs in 13 Tests, with an average of 20.82.
His most recent Test century was scored at the MCG during the unforgettable Border-Gavaskar series of 2020/21, where he led India’s comeback following the dismal 36 all out in the first Test.
Due to an injury to Shreyas Iyer, there was a gap to be filled in the middle order, and India opted for experience in the one-off Ultimate Test by including Ajinkya Rahane in the squad.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, when asked about Rahane’s return to the team, stated that the selectors had made the right decision.
“I’m thrilled to see him back in the team,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo.
“He’s been batting beautifully in the two or three IPL games he’s played and has looked in excellent form. Additionally, we must not overlook his wealth of experience. As soon as Shreyas Iyer was injured, the selectors had to consider bringing Rahane back into the team.”
“People believe that he was chosen solely because he played three IPL games. However, for the last six months, he has been playing first-class cricket, and those who believe otherwise must have been in some jungle with no connection to the outside world. When you take a six-month holiday, you miss out on those 600 runs.”
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Ajinkya Rahane’s excellent performances in the Indian Premier League and domestic cricket have earned him a place back in the national team.
While representing the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Rahane has been given a fresh start and has scored 224 runs in six matches, with an impressive strike rate of 189.83.
Before the IPL, he focused on his performance in the Ranji Trophy and managed to score 634 runs in seven matches for Mumbai, which included two centuries.
These performances undoubtedly contributed to his selection for the Indian team, as they were impressed with his ability to perform consistently at a high level.
Furthermore, Shastri emphasized the importance of having experienced players like Rahane in a one-off big game, such as the upcoming Ultimate Test, likening it to the Super Bowl.
“Don’t forget that just two and a half years ago, Rahane led the team to victory in a Test series against Australia,” he reminded. “He did a sterling job as the captain when Virat [Kohli] went on paternity leave.”
“Additionally, people tend to forget the incredible hundred he scored at the MCG and the manner in which he played. Rahane has gone back to the grind, much like Pujara did, playing domestic and county cricket, amassing runs and improving his form before returning to the Test squad and performing admirably. It’s a similar scenario with Rahane, and we hope that his experience and form come in handy in the Ultimate Test.”
India will be relying on Ajinkya Rahane to make a significant impact upon his return to the team, as he is expected to be included in the XI for the World Test Championship Final.
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After falling short against New Zealand in 2021, Rohit Sharma and the team will be eager to put an end to India’s drought of senior men’s ICC trophies by defeating Australia at the Oval.
The team is counting on Rahane’s experience and form to contribute to a strong performance in this crucial match.
