Former India cricketer VVS Laxman feels demotion in the batting order in the ongoing Oval Test will hurt Ajinkya Rahane’s confidence badly. The fourth Test between India and England saw Ravindra Jadeja walk out of Rahane at No.5 in the wake of his poor run with the bat.
Rahane has struggled for consistency in the last few years which has raised doubts over his place in the playing XI. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, VVS Laxman said the Indian team management needs to give him more confidence rather than demoting him even further.
Jadeja over Rahane? Didn’t see that coming. #EngvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 2, 2021
“I think Ajinkya Rahane will bat at No.6 and then Rishabh Pant. Rahane is an experienced batsman and if you keep on demoting him, then it will affect his confidence. You want your experienced batsman to gain confidence,” VVS Laxman said.Â
Ajinkya Rahane has managed only 109 runs from four matches at a paltry average of 181.6, including only one half-century. The spotlight will be on the senior India batsman at the Oval.
Virat Kohli will not get a better opportunity than here: VVS Laxman
Former cricketer VVS Laxman has predicted India captain Virat Kohli to play a big knock at the Oval on Sunday as the visitors look to post a mammoth target against England in the fourth innings.
“Virat Kohli was looking good in the second innings at Headingley as well as the first innings here. According to me, you can see a big score from Virat on Day 4. Virat Kohli the captain will know that if a target of 300-350 is given to England then India can win the game. So he will bat with that determination and he is definitely looking in rhythm and he won’t get a better opportunity. Rohit Sharma has scored a century and Indian fans will want that even Virat Kohli will get a big score. I am expecting a big score from Virat Kohli,” VVS Laxman concluded.
