Ajinkya (Marathi) – meaning – Invincible, Impossible to defeat. In the last 18 months, Ajinkya Rahane has lived up to his name. The Indian veteran was sacked as vice-captain and dropped from the Test team. Circumstance handed him a return to the side for the WTC Final, and the 35-year-old snatched it with both hands. While India has begun rebuilding, Rahane retains his place, reinstated as vice-captain for the IND vs WI Test series.
The BCCI announced India’s squad for the upcoming India vs West Test series. The series marks the beginning of the WTC Cycle 2023-25, with India starting to assess their squad after twin failures. Cheteshwar Pujara got the sack, but Ajinkya Rahane retained his spot after a good show in the WTC Final. Rahane managed scores of 89 and 46 at The Oval, while the rest of the Indian batting order struggled.
Also Read: IND vs WI Squad announced, Umesh & Pujara dropped, Rahane returns as VC
With Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul rehabilitating, Rahane made the most of his chance and is all set to continue. He was also reinstated as vice-captain, serving as deputy to long-time teammate Rohit Sharma. It is a complete turnaround for the 35-year-old, who lost his place and vice-captaincy after the South Africa tour.
Rahane’s leadership credentials are no secret. In Virat Kohli’s absence, the Mumbai cricketer led India to a second consecutive Border Gavaskar Trophy win Down Under. The series win was achieved despite several Indian stars suffering injuries throughout the tour. With the bat, Rahane has been in sensational touch, with a dream IPL 2023 season for the Chennai Super Kings.
CSK skipper MS Dhoni was consulted on Ajinkya Rahane’s selection, and the veteran duly repaid the faith. While the likes of Rohit, and Pujara struggled against the moving ball, Rahane was an assured figure in the middle. The 35-year-old played close to his body and kept the runs flowing. Of the 5 top scores for India in both WTC Finals, Rahane has 3 to his name.
Despite the comeback and elevation, Ajinkya Rahane would understand that it is the final few years in Test cricket. By the next WTC Final, Rahane will be 37. Whether the Mumbai batter remains on the side till then is a question that still remains. One thing is for certain, Rahane’s will is impossible to defeat.
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