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.
Domestic Numbers
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.
Overseas Experience
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.
Injuries And Form Issues In Team
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.
Current Form
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Ajinkya Rahane recalled to India's squad for the World Test Championship final?▼
How did Rahane perform in the last Ranji campaign for Mumbai?▼
What makes Rahane's overseas experience significant?▼
Were there any injuries or form issues in the team that contributed to Rahane's recall?▼
How has Rahane been performing in the IPL 2023 season?▼
What was the significance of Rahane's leadership during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 triu▼
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.




















Give Your Feedback