Ajinkya Rahane's return to India's squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia has surprised many, considering he last played for the national team about 15 months ago. There were talks of Rahane playing his "farewell game" against South Africa in Newlands just a year ago. However, Rahane, who once led India to a famous Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in 2020-21, has now made a comeback to the national team. But what led to his recall to the Test squad? In this article, we will explore the various factors, from his IPL 2023 form to his domestic performances, that contributed to Rahane's return to the Indian team for the World Test Championship final.
When it comes to Test team selection, the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket competition, remains the biggest platform for players to impress the selectors. Rahane did exactly that with his outstanding performances.
In the last Ranji campaign for Mumbai, Rahane scored 634 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 57.63. He struck two hundreds, including a mammoth knock of 204 runs. Notably, Rahane's average in the campaign was even higher than his career First Class average of 47.12. These stellar performances in domestic cricket showcased Rahane's skill and form with the bat, making a strong case for his inclusion in the Test squad.
While Rahane may not have played for India in 15 months, he still remains one of the most experienced batters in the team, especially in Test cricket. His performances in overseas conditions speak volumes about his capabilities as a batsman. Rahane has delivered with the bat on some of the most challenging pitches around the world, making him a valuable asset to the team.
With the World Test Championship final against Australia scheduled to be held at the Oval in London, Rahane's overseas experience and ability to adapt to different conditions could have played a significant role in his selection. His proven track record of performing well in overseas Tests would provide the Indian team with the much-needed stability and assurance in the middle order.
Another factor that could have contributed to Rahane's recall to the Test squad is the injuries and form issues faced by other players in the team. Shreyas Iyer, who could have been a contender for the middle-order role, is currently sidelined due to injury and is expected to be out of action for a few more months. This could have opened up an opportunity for Rahane to make a comeback to the team.
Moreover, players like Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul, who have been tried in the Tests against Australia, have struggled with their form. In such a scenario, Rahane's experience, skill, and proven ability to perform under pressure could have made him the safest option for the team management. His inclusion could provide the much-needed stability and experience to the middle order, which could be crucial in a high-pressure match like the World Test Championship final.
Rahane's current form in the IPL 2023 season could not be ignored either. Playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rahane has been in exceptional form with the bat. He is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with 209 runs to his name in just a few matches. What's even more impressive is his average of 52.25, which is quite rare in T20 cricket.
However, what sets Rahane apart is not just the number of runs he has scored, but the manner in which he has scored them. Rahane has displayed exemplary form, playing proper cricketing
In conclusion, Ajinkya Rahane's recall to India's squad for the World Test Championship final was influenced by his domestic performances, overseas experience, team dynamics, and current form in the IPL 2023 season. Rahane's proven track record, leadership skills, and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset to the Indian Test team as they aim to clinch the coveted title.
Why was Ajinkya Rahane recalled to India's squad for the World Test Championship final?▼
There were multiple factors that contributed to Rahane's return to the national team for the World Test Championship final. These factors include his domestic performances in the Ranji Trophy, his overseas experience, injuries and form issues in the team, and his current form in the IPL 2023 se
How did Rahane perform in the last Ranji campaign for Mumbai?▼
Rahane scored 634 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 57.63 in the last Ranji campaign for Mumbai. He struck two hundreds, including a knock of 204 runs, and his average in the campaign was even higher than his career First Class average of 47.12.
What makes Rahane's overseas experience significant?▼
Rahane has a proven track record of delivering with the bat in overseas conditions. He has performed well on some of the trickiest pitches around the world, making him an asset to the team. His experience and ability to handle tough situations make him a valuable addition to the squad for the World
Were there any injuries or form issues in the team that contributed to Rahane's recall?▼
Yes, injuries and form issues in the team played a role in Rahane's recall. Shreyas Iyer's unavailability due to injury and the struggles of players like Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul with form created an opportunity for Rahane to make a comeback. Rahane was considered a safe option by the
How has Rahane been performing in the IPL 2023 season?▼
Rahane has been in exemplary form in the IPL 2023 season while playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has scored 209 runs in the season so far, with an average of 52.25, which is rare in T20 competitions. What's been impressive is that these runs have come from proper cricketing shots,
What was the significance of Rahane's leadership during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 triu▼
Rahane's leadership during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 triumph was commendable. He stepped in as the captain after Virat Kohli's departure and led the team to a historic series win against Australia in their own backyard. Rahane's tactical acumen, calm demeanor, and ability to
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