Ajinkya Rahane is preparing for his first red-ball match with India in 18 months as he faces a crucial test in the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. The match kicks off on Wednesday, and Rahane’s performance could significantly influence his future in the team.
Transitioning from T20 to the traditional five-day format, Rahane aims to simplify his approach. He hopes to carry forward the excellent timing he showcased during the IPL into this pivotal game in London. The decision to exclude both Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara from the Test squad following a disappointing series in South Africa was made at the beginning of 2022, but Pujara later made his way back into the team after a successful stint in county cricket.
Rahane, who has played 82 Test matches, waited longer for his opportunity to return, finally earning selection through notable performances in the Ranji Trophy and an impressive IPL season. His recent form has caught the selectors’ attention, particularly with Shreyas Iyer’s injury paving the way for Rahane’s recall. If Iyer were fit, Rahane might not have been included, underscoring the role of both form and fortune in his return.
As Rahane steps up to bat at The Oval, he knows he is under pressure, especially with Iyer’s established record in the middle order. While his past performances in London have been less than stellar, his overall capability has never been in doubt, with significant runs accumulated in key venues like New Zealand, England, and Australia. His leadership during India’s monumental win in Australia in 2021 demonstrated his ability to thrive against tough opponents.
This time, Rahane won’t bear the weight of captaincy, allowing him to concentrate solely on his batting. Despite having a Test average of 38.52, which doesn’t fully reflect his potential, former chief selector MSK Prasad believes Rahane should continue to be given opportunities if he performs well in this high-stakes final.
Prasad noted Rahane’s impressive track record in away series, highlighting that he has scored runs in various conditions. He sees Iyer’s injury as potentially beneficial for the team, suggesting that if Rahane excels, his place in the squad should be secured. The selectors have previously shown a willingness to retain senior players who have had poor performances, and Rahane’s domestic cricket return has warranted another chance.
Sarandeep Singh, also part of the selection committee during Rahane’s remarkable comeback in Australia, expressed a similarly supportive view. He emphasized Rahane’s history of success in challenging conditions and pointed out that his recent form in the IPL makes him a valuable asset. When Iyer returns, the dynamics may shift, but for now, Rahane represents the best option for the number five spot.
How Rahane approaches this pressure-filled match will be crucial. He recognizes the importance of staying focused and not letting the magnitude of the event overwhelm him. While he has scored runs in domestic competitions, he understands that facing bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins with the Dukes ball presents a different challenge. However, the seasoned batsman is ready to confront this test head-on.