Ajinkya Rahane’s return to the Indian Test setup as vice-captain has been met with great enthusiasm by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike. Rahane, who was dropped from the team over a year ago, made a strong case for his return with his exceptional domestic form and impressive performances in the IPL.
Rahane’s remarkable run in the domestic circuit for Mumbai showcased his undeniable talent and earned him a well-deserved call back to the national team. However, it was his stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL that truly rejuvenated his game and boosted his confidence.
Playing for CSK gave Rahane the freedom and license to attack, unlike his previous teams where he was often tasked with anchoring the innings. The Mumbai batter flourished under this new role, surprising everyone with his ability to take on pace and scoring a remarkable 326 runs at a fantastic strike-rate of 172 in the 2023 IPL season. This strike-rate was considerably higher than his career IPL strike-rate that usually hovered in the low 120s.
Although his role may have changed, Rahane remained focused on fulfilling his responsibilities to the team. His exceptional performances in both the IPL and the red-ball season for Mumbai, where he scored 634 runs in 11 Ranji innings as captain, led to his reinstatement as vice-captain of the Indian Test squad.
Rahane’s return to the team was further solidified by his impressive display in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. As the only Indian batter who impressed in the final, Rahane showcased his resilience and determination. He emerged as the top scorer for India in the first innings with a score of 89 and contributed 46 runs in the second innings.
Speaking of his position in the Test team and his role as vice-captain, Rahane expressed his happiness and familiarity with the responsibility. Having been the vice-captain for almost four to five years under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Rahane feels confident and comfortable in this leadership role. He also spoke highly of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, emphasizing the freedom and support the Mumbai batter provides to the players.
Rahane’s return to the Test squad comes at a crucial time when KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable. As one of three Mumbai batters in the top five, alongside the debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahane’s experience and leadership skills will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies.
In conclusion, Ajinkya Rahane’s strong performance in domestic cricket and the IPL, coupled with his impressive showing in the World Test Championship final, earned him a well-deserved return to the Indian Test squad as vice-captain. With the backing of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and his own experience, Rahane aims to fulfill the roles assigned to him and contribute significantly to the team’s success. Fans eagerly anticipate his performances in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, where he will undoubtedly be a key figure in the batting lineup.
