Given current Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s recent dismal form, Ian Chappell has suggested that the middle-order batsman may lose his place in the Indian team. The seasoned batsman scored just 109 runs in seven games in the recent Test series against England, with an average of just over 15 runs.
But Ian, on the other hand, also believes that Ajinkya Rahane’s tactical input and slip fielding to spinners will be missed, if he’s dropped from the side.
If the team management decides to look beyond Rahane, Virat Kohli’s India would also require a new vice-captain. In this regard, Chappell believes that Rohit Sharma can take over this role from Rahane. The former Australian captain described the Indian opener as “an acclaimed” leader in his most recent piece.
“The only downside would be the loss of Ajinkya Rahane’s tactical input and his slip fielding to the spinners. Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma is now an acclaimed captain and he’s capable of handling the vice-captaincy role,” wrote Chappell.
8️⃣ innings, 3️⃣6️⃣8️⃣ runs, 1️⃣ hundred & 2️⃣ fifties.
A special Test tour for India opener Rohit Sharma.🔥#RohitSharma #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/IZo6QbnQPY
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) September 10, 2021
In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane captained Team India in three Tests in Australia after the team’s lowest moment, when they were bowled out for 36 runs at Adelaide. He showed tactical brilliance as he led an injury-plagued India to a historic 2-1 victory.
Ian Chappell Urges India To Include Ravichandran Ashwin In The Playing XI
Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, or Hardik Pandya, according to the Australian legend, might steal Rahane’s No. 5 place. Ian Chappell’s suggestions are based on his belief that India must find a method to incorporate their top spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in their starting XI.
“India’s best combination includes R Ashwin. He is a fine bowler under all conditions, as he proved in Australia, so India need to find a way to fit him into the XI”
“Tweaking the Indian middle order to accommodate the skills of Ashwin should be a priority for the selectors. It’s a scary thought for the other Test sides that Virat Kohli’s highly successful team can be improved”,Chappell added.
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