Veteran wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik has stressed that he had a gut feeling that India will play underfire Ajinkya Rahane in the first Test against South Africa at the SuperSport Park. Rahane justified his selection with an unbeaten knock of 40 runs to put his side on ascendancy alongside KL Rahul at the end of day 1.
Rahane began the high-profile series against South Africa under intense scrutiny over his spot in the playing XI. There were a few questions that why Shreyas Iyer who impressed one and all in the New Zealand series was not preferred ahead of Ajinkya Rahane.
However, Rahane answered his critics with a measured unbeaten knock on Day 1 of the first Test match. The knock garnered immense praise from Dinesh Karthik, who was impressed by the ‘intent’ shown by Ajinkya Rahane during his time in the middle.
Talking on Cricbuzz.com, Karthik weighed in on the reasons behind Ajinkya Rahane’s selection and why he deserved a spot in the final XI.
“I believe that one of the other two could have probably got a chance. But having said that, I knew and I got a strong gut feeling that they will go with Rahane for two reasons. Firstly, he is an experienced player, he has been the vice-captain up until this series,” he said.
Dinesh Karthik also spoke about Rahane’s ability to play medium pace well.
“He is somebody who plays medium pace well, he has a pretty decent record in South Africa and whenever India has been under pressure, he’s got the runs. When you are going in with six batters, I think they wanted to rely on experience because that’s what Ajinkya Rahane brings to the table. I love the intent with which he bats,” he added.
“Credit to Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli for backing him” – Dinesh Karthik on Rahane
After seeing Ajinkya Rahane show intent against the South African bowlers on Day 1, Dinesh Karthik highlighted the role of head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Virat Kohli.
“Credit to Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli for backing him… I am happy for Rahane because he needs the runs but what I enjoyed more was the intent he showed. He was ready to play his shots that he was good at and that was good to see,” the cricketer from Tamil Nadu added.
At stumps on Day 1, India were placed at 272/3 and will look to post a daunting first inning total. Meanwhile, the start of day 2 has been delayed due to rain.
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