India head coach Rahul Dravid clarified Rahane’s return to the Indian team ahead of the summit match on June 7 at The Oval.
Ajinkya Rahane’s inclusion in India’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia last month made headlines.
Most people questioned whether the big call was due to the IPL 2023 form. Because of the timing of the announcement, which led to criticism.
However, most people praised the BCCI selection committee for making the call. India head coach Rahul Dravid clarified Rahane’s return to the Indian team ahead of the summit match on June 7 at The Oval.
Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were both dropped from the Indian team a year ago before the start of the home series against Sri Lanka.
Rahane, on the other hand, remained out of the team. Before making a stunning statement with his performance in IPL 2023.
While the latter made his way back into the team thanks to important performances in County cricket.
It was during that first 50% of the time when BCCI declared the crew for the WTC last. The accomplished hitter was picked instead of a harmed Shreyas Iyer, who is out with back issues.
Dravid praised the presence of an experienced batter in the changing room in an interview with the media two days prior to the Australia match.
“First of all, having him is good. He probably got the chance to come back into the squad because we had a few injuries. We are fortunate to have a person of his calibre.
He brings a lot of that experience, as well as demonstrated ability to perform in foreign conditions, including England.
Where he has played some great innings for us. He has great catching ability in the slips. He simply contributes his personality to the group, which is crucial. He has driven the group and has had extensive achievement.
The question of whether Rahane’s return was only for the one-off Test or whether India would also consider him for upcoming matches was one of the most important aspects of the discussion.
Dravid explained that it really relied on how Rahane performed. Likely alluding to his position in the XI for the WTC last.
You don’t want him to view this as a one-time event. When you are dropped from a team. You sometimes make a comeback and return to play for as long as you are performing and playing well.
The fact that you only get one match is not set in stone. “You never know what can happen, even when people come back from injury,” said Dravid in conclusion.
If he puts in a good performance and shows what he has to offer, who knows?”
In the event that Rahane is selected. He will start at number five in the team and lead the Indian middle order.