India face Ajinkya Rahane conundrum after new vice-captain flops in West Indies

Ajinkya Rahane had almost faded away from the Indian cricket scene until his impactful performances for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) caught everyone’s attention.

Rahane’s resurgence earned him a place in the Test side, even for a crucial World Championship final, where he emerged as India’s most prolific batsman against Australia at The Oval. However, despite being appointed as vice-captain, Rahane’s recent performances in the West Indies have raised concerns about his form and place in the team.

Rahane’s prowess in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings reignited the hopes of his international return. The stylish right-hander displayed swashbuckling form during the tournament, proving that he still possessed the talent and ability to compete at the highest level. His performances in the IPL eventually led to a recall to the Test side, even for the all-important World Test Championship final.

Rahane made a memorable comeback to the Test team during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. In the first innings, he almost reached a century, playing a crucial role in India’s batting lineup. His innings showcased his temperament and ability to perform under pressure. Moreover, his past experience as captain further justified his elevation as vice-captain in the Indian Test team.

ONE TEST AND REINSTATED AS VICE-CAPTAIN

After India’s disappointing performance in the World Test Championship final, there was a call for change, and senior players were under scrutiny. Cheteshwar Pujara, another veteran of the side, bore the brunt of the selectors’ decision and was dropped from the squad. The national selection committee, led by interim chief Shiv Sunder Das, re-appointed Rahane as Rohit Sharma’s deputy for the West Indies Test series just one Test after he made his comeback – he played his previous Test in January 2022.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was baffled as to how Ajinkya Rahane was given the Test vice-captaincy after sitting out for nearly 18 months. The former Indian captain had urged “consistency and continuity” in the selection process.

“I won’t say it’s a step backward. You have been out for 18 months, then you play a Test and you become a vice-captain. I don’t understand the thought process behind it. There is Ravindra Jadeja, who has been there for a long time and a certainty in Test matches, he is a candidate,” Ganguly had told PTI.

FAILURE IN WEST INDIES

Despite his impressive credentials and leadership skills, Rahane’s performance in the West Indies series has been lackluster. His scores of 8 and 3 in the two outings have not only disappointed fans but also raised questions about his form and ability to contribute consistently.

Vikram Rathour, India’s batting coach, emphasized that Ajinkya Rahane’s confident style in the middle has been the defining feature of his return, and the Indian team will rely on him to maintain his good form during their upcoming tour of South Africa later this year.

“He played really well in the WTC final. He has always been a good player. He was dropped because of bad form. When it comes to technique, you constantly work on that but what stood out for me was that he was much more calm in his approach. “He was playing late and close to the body. That has been the standout thing since his comeback. He is still batting the same way in the nets. We hope he will do well. Conditions in South Africa, you will need somebody like him to come well,” Rathour said ahead of the second Test vs WI.

After failing in Dominica, Rahane needed something in Trinidad to keep himself in the minds of fans and selectors ahead of India’s next Test series in South Africa at the end of the year. However, the Indian vice-captain failed to make a mark and got dismissed after scoring only three runs in India’s first innings of the second Test. As vice-captain, there is added pressure on Rahane to lead by example with his performances, but the recent failures have put him under scrutiny.

WHAT NEXT FOR RAHANE?

After Rahane’s twin failures in the West Indies series, the Indian team management faces a tough decision. The question now is whether India will drop their vice-captain after these twin failures. Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran are still on the outside looking in, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan, with less impressive first-class numbers, have already made it into the India squad.

Rahane’s international career is nearing an end, but how long it will last is unknown. When he was dropped after the South Africa series at the start of last year, he must have thought it was the end of his career, but he got to experience the thrill of wearing the India jersey again. Will he again be dropped for the tough series in South Africa or get one more chance? All of these decisions must be made by the selection committee, which has a new chair in Rahane’s former Mumbai teammate Ajit Agarkar. He would know whether Rahane still has a role in the longest format after seeing him up close.