Ajinkya Rahane back in the reckoning for India’s WTC final squad: Report
Ajinkya Rahane could make a return to India's WTC final squad
The world of sports is full of surprises, just like life itself. This was certainly the case for Ajinkya Rahane, who was dropped from India’s Test team last year and was picked by Chennai Super Kings later in IPL 2023 mini-auction.
Many saw it as a long shot, and few expected him to start in the playing XI. And yet, in their recent game against Mumbai Indians, Rahane showed why he was worth the risk.
On his CSK debut, Rahane put on a show, scoring 61 runs from just 27 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. And to top it off, he also set a new record for the fastest fifty of the season, achieving it in just 19 balls.
Thanks to his blistering knock, CSK chased down the target of 158 runs against Mumbai Indians with ease and won the match by seven wickets. Speaking in the post-match conference, Rahane expressed his desire to play a Test match at Wankhede Stadium, which also happens to be his home ground.
“I always enjoy playing at Wankhede. I have never played a Test here. I would want to play a Test here,” said Rahane, who led India to a famous Test series win in Australia in 2021.
Rahane further revealed that he was not aware about his CSK debut until the toss, as Moeen Ali was feeling unwell and had to be replaced by him.
“There is still a long way to go. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven. I got to know just before the toss, for me it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment.”
Rahane to make a comeback in India’s Test team: Report
According to a PTI report, Rahane is expected to be in the running for a spot in the 15-member squad for the WTC final. It’s worth noting that India will face Australia in the final of the World Test Championship, which is set to take place in England in June.
After being dropped from the Test squad and losing his BCCI annual contract, Rahane’s last Test appearance was in South Africa in January 2022. The Mumbai batter averages just 20.25 in his last 15 Test matches with no centuries and just three fifties to his name.
