Ajinkya Rahane, the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, faced a significant setback with his batting performance in the second Test against the West Indies. This Test marked the second consecutive low score for Rahane in the series, adding to the growing concern among cricket enthusiasts.
During the first session of the match, India got off to a promising start with a solid partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, reaching a century stand in quick succession. However, the West Indies bowlers made a spirited comeback in the second session, dismissing Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rohit Sharma in quick succession, causing a mini-collapse for India.
With the team in need of stability, all eyes were on Rahane to steer the innings back on track. However, his performance with the bat left much to be desired. His dismissal at a crucial juncture further dented India’s batting line-up, leaving them at 182/4. The disappointment of fans was palpable as they took to social media to express their dismay over Rahane’s lacklustre performance in the second Test.
Many fans expressed their concerns about his prolonged batting slump and questioned his suitability for the vice-captaincy role.
Ajinkya Rahane has dismal average of 38 in test
Few innings here and there can't justify his place in test team
I can't remember any Indian test batsmen with this low batting average and played 85+ test pic.twitter.com/XbuAtpVp1E— naman pandit (@namanpndit) July 20, 2023
I have a lot of regard for Ajinkya Rahane's talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 24 in last 4 years in international cricket is below par. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. https://t.co/I8YYqw3ITN
— Venkatesh Prasad (@WiratWohli) July 20, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane supremacy 👑💯 pic.twitter.com/ZsAfs7uD2a
— Veer (@_veerrr___) July 20, 2023
Yesss, Ajinkya Rahane really played well in WTC finals but you can't just keep him in the team for another year for just one good knock. 👍🏻#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/WAtgenIWQp
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) July 20, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane in Last 3 years in Test Cricket.
31 Innings
693 Runs
Avg. 22.3
50s 4
100s 0Vice Captain Ajinkya Rahane🥵🔥#WIvIND #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/H7qP5vpFLh
— Laksh Sharma (@im_laksh_18) July 20, 2023
Expecting Ajinkya Rahane to come in press conferences and say I've always stood up and was there for the team whenever they needed me like he's averaging fifty. This is why you don't pick Test players based on their T20 form.
— Stephen N (@albatrosscric) July 20, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane hasn't been same after becoming vice captain of India 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/GfknlKVG2W
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) July 20, 2023
We are witnessing one of the GREATEST COMEBACK in the history of cricket!!
My man Rahane literally convinced BCCI by his performance in T20 format IPL to return in test format and become vice-captain 🤭😎
The hero, the mastermind Ajinkya Rahane, 3(11) & 8(36) so far🔥🥵 #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/ymMyKoNdVH
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) July 20, 2023
“He had one good match but let’s not get carried away”- Aakash Chopra Reacted on Ajinkya Rahane As Vice-Captain Of The Indian Test Team
Aakash Chopra, a former Indian opening batter, criticized the selectors’ decision to appoint Rahane as the vice-captain for the West Indies Test series, stating that it may not have been a progressive step. Chopra emphasized that Rahane’s form has been underwhelming for a considerable period, and his recent performance fails to inspire confidence.
Comparing Rahane’s average of 26.50 with that of Cheteshwar Pujara, who was dropped due to his average of 29.69, Chopra suggested that the vice-captaincy position should be reconsidered. He even questioned whether Ravichandran Ashwin could have been a more suitable candidate for the role. The disappointing performance in the second Test has raised concerns about Rahane’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
As the vice-captain of the team, Rahane holds a significant leadership responsibility, and his role as a senior player is crucial in guiding and motivating the younger members of the squad. The team management and selectors will likely monitor his performance closely in the upcoming matches to determine if he can bounce back and justify his position as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
