India’s recently announced Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has witnessed some significant changes and notable inclusions.
While Cheteshwar Pujara’s absence has raised eyebrows, the return of Ajinkya Rahane after a remarkable performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final has earned him the position of vice-captain in the red ball side of India.
Rahane’s comeback in the Test squad came after a gap of 18 months, and he made his presence felt in the crucial WTC Final against Australia.
With his exceptional batting skills and resilience, Rahane played a vital role in India’s journey to the Final. He showcased his class by scoring an impressive 89 runs off 129 deliveries in the first innings. In the second innings, although his contribution was lower with 46 runs, he fought until the end, displaying his determination and commitment to the team’s cause.
Rahane’s outstanding performance in the WTC Final established him as one of the best batters for Team India.
Additionally, his form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his commendable comeback in the domestic circuit further solidified his position in the Test squad.
Rahane’s willingness to play domestic cricket, despite being an established international player, reflects his understanding of the value and importance of India’s domestic format, akin to England’s county cricket or Australia’s domestic circuit.
With a mix of experienced and young players in the Indian Test squad, Rahane’s appointment as the vice-captain was a logical choice.
Since Virat Kohli relinquished the leadership duties last year, Rahane emerged as the next experienced and senior player to step up. His leadership qualities, combined with his wealth of experience, make him a crucial asset in guiding and supporting captain Rohit Sharma.
Amidst the legitimate justifications and sincere considerations for Ajinkya Rahane, BCCI’s decision to appoint him as vice-captain raises the question of whether it was a calculated strategy or a mere formality due to the absence of other senior and experienced players in the team. With Virat Kohli opting out of the captaincy and deputy role, coupled with Rahane’s previous experience as vice-captain during Kohli’s tenure and his unparalleled expertise, the selection leaves room for speculation regarding the true motive behind BCCI’s choice.
