Credit: Twitter
Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra feels that India veteran Ajinkya Rahane’s comeback to Test cricket is because of his IPL performance as well. Ajinkya Rahane has been given the vice-captaincy of the team during the West Indies vs India Test series, which kicked off on July 12 at Windsor Park in Dominica.
Rahane was called for the World Test Championship Final 2023, where he emerged as a ray of hope for the Indian men. Rahane scored 89 and 46 in the final clash of the WTC 2021-23 cycle, which subsequently his side ended up losing. Aakash Chopra, who was a part of the Indian cricket team from 2003-2004, threw light on Rahane’s domestic career and said that his comeback to the Test team was possible not only because of his first-class performance but also a wonderful IPL season. During the first Test game between West Indies and India, Chopra was a part of the commentary panel where he made this comment.
Rahane was dropped from India’s Test squad last year, and post that, Rahane underwent a grind and scored big numbers in the domestic session to regain his spot in the red-ball squad. Not only this, but the 35-year-old cricketer was also in red-hot form during the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League and guided his side to win their fifth title. Apart from that, Ajinkya had an impressive Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, where he amassed 634 runs from seven games while leading Mumbai.
Aakash Chopra talks about Ajinkya Rahane's spot in Team India
Chopra is also of the opinion that despite being made the vice-captain of the team for the West Indies series, Rahane’s place in the squad is not secured. Earlier, while talking in a video for his YouTube Channel, Chopra as quoted by Circle of Cricket, said, Ajinkya Rahane - it is an intriguing story. He was out of the team for 18 months and suddenly you do well in the World Test Championship final and you become the vice-captain of the side. But does that mean his place is secured?"
The 45-year-old added, "No, he was the vice-captain once earlier as well when Kohli was the captain. It was in South Africa and he was dropped in the first Test. So I don't think his place is cemented. I feel he will have to score runs. He will be able to save his place if he scores runs or else the vice-captaincy tag will not be of much use."
