Ravi Shastri, a former Indian all-rounder and head coach, didn’t hold back in his criticism of individuals who questioned the inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane in India’s World Test Championship (WTC) final squad. The selectors may have considered Rahane as a dependable backup option for the middle order due to injuries to Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. Despite some fans speculating that Rahane’s selection was based on his IPL performances, Shastri sarcastically highlighted Rahane’s successes in domestic cricket to refute these claims.
Talking about Rahane’s selection to ESPNCricinfo, Shastri said,
“People think he’s just played three IPL games and that’s why he’s in the side. They must have been on holiday for six months when he was playing first-class cricket. They must’ve been somewhere in the jungle where there’s no contact with anyone in the world. When you go six months into a holiday, you miss those 600 runs.”
Shastri also expressed his opinion that given the increasing number of injuries to other players, it appeared almost certain that Rahane would make a comeback to the team. He said,
“I’m so glad he’s made it to the side. He batted beautifully in these two-three games he’s played in the IPL, has looked in great touch. And let’s not forget the experience he has. The moment Shreyas Iyer was injured, you had to look in that direction.”
Ravi Shastri reminisces about India’s BGT win under Ajinkya Rahane
Ravi Shastri also reminisced about how Ajinkya Rahane had led India to a remarkable 2-1 victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during the 2020/21 season, amidst a crisis of injuries. With Virat Kohli having to return home due to personal reasons, Rahane took charge and led by example, playing a key role in India’s historic win. He stated,
“Don’t forget just two-and-a-half years ago, the man won a Test series in Australia. He was the captain when Virat [Kohli] went [on paternity leave] and did a sterling job. People forget that hundred at the MCG, the way he played, and the fact that he’s gone back to the grind. Let’s hope that experience comes handy.”
It remains to be seen whether the team management will choose to directly include Rahane at No. 5 in the batting lineup, given Shreyas Iyer’s injury, or if they will opt to have KL Rahul bat in the middle order. This decision will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.