Former India batsman VVS Laxman feels senior players Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma need to show more commitment in the remainder of the Test series against England. The Indian team who were deemed favourites to win the opening Test in Chennai suffered a shocking defeat in their own backyard by the English side as they beat them 277 runs on Day 5.
Opening batter Rohit Sharma registered scores 6 and 12 while Ajinkya Rahane managed just 1 and 0 in the first Test in Chennai. With both batsmen failing to contribute with the bat, it led to additional pressure on the other batsmen in the Indian side.
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The way Ajinkya Rahane got out, he will be disappointed – VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman reckons Ajinkya Rahane wasn’t prepared to face James Anderson since his footwork against reverse swing wasn’t right. He further added how Ajinkya Rahane’s technique was a disappointment as you don’t get into that position while facing reversing swing at the start of the innings.
“I want to see a commitment from Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the next match, that they should win or save the match,” VVS Laxman said while speaking to Star Sports.
“The way Ajinkya Rahane got out in the second innings, I didn’t feel he was ready for the fight. It was known that Anderson will be reversing the ball; you can get out to a good ball, but if your footwork is not correct, and you don’t come into the right position, that too at the start of the innings, it makes you feel sad. So the way Ajinkya Rahane got out, he will be disappointed,” he added.
India will now take on England in the 2nd Test which will take place at the same venue as the first Test in Chennai. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel who missed the first Test due to an injury he picked up prior to the game are likely to be included in the playing XI while Shahbaz Nadeem was not at his best after bowling over 10 no-balls in the game might face the axe.
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