India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will be seen in national colors after quite a while. The reliable middle-order batsman wasn”t part of selectors” scheme of things in the limited over format.
Rahane hit a stunning hundred in his very first outing with Hampshire in the County circuit. While the men in blue were taking on rivals to lay their hands on the coveted World Cup, Rahane was seen fine-tuning his skills just a few miles away.
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Rahane the key man for India in Windies
With India set to start fresh with the away tour to West Indies, Rahane will be a vital cog in Virat Kohli”s team. In 56 Tests, the Mumbaikar has amassed 3488 runs with 9 tons and 17 fifties. His most recent fifty came exactly a month back on 30 June, against Somerset.
Kohli and the management have put their faith on the 31-year-old. “Jinks [Rahane] has been a solid player for us through and through and that”s always been our communication,” Kohli said. “He is one of the most sorted guys. Really, really composed, reads the game well also, priceless fielder, we have all seen the impact he can make in Test cricket with his slip catching and everything.” Kohli told the reporters before leaving with the team for Florida to play a set of 2 T20Is.
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Rahane has done the job under pressure: Kohli
Kohli highlighted the impact Rahane has made to the national side. “I think under pressure he has performed really well. The guy averages 43 (40.55) in Test cricket, it”s not like he is in the early 30s. I don”t think we should jump the gun on someone like Jinks because he has done the job for you under pressure.” he added.
The forthcoming series can be seen as an important assignment for Kohli, especially the leader in him. The Windies side is boosted by some key men and therefore India will have to bring their best brand of cricket in order to conquer the Caribbean.