NEWS
Follow UsAfter the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, the attention now shifts to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where India take on Australia in the summit clash at The Oval, starting June 7. India have the chance to win the trophy after losing to New Zealand in the final in Southampton in 2021.
All the Indian players barring Cheteshwar Pujara were involved in the IPL, which concluded recently with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) winning their sixth title. Ajinkya Rahane was part of the winning side as well, after having reinvented his game, playing vital knocks in the middle-order at good pace.
Rahane was called-up to the Indian Test side after a 15-month hiatus, following some good performances in the domestic circuit. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes Ajinkya Rahane has a point to prove in the WTC final against Australia.
“He’s got a lot of experience having played in England, having scored runs in England. So, yes, I think he is going to be crucial down at number 5. And yes, I do believe he has a point to prove, I still feel he has got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him," Gavaskar said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues.
"I’m hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team."
In the Ranji Trophy 2022-23, Rahane slammed 634 runs at 57.63 in 11 innings and in the IPL, he scored 326 runs at a strike-rate of 172.48.
Rahane, however, has an underwhelming Test record in England, having managed managed 729 runs at 26.03 in 29 innings, which includes one century and five fifties. He will up up against the fiery pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood this time around, along with a world-class spinner in Nathan Lyon. Can he make a successful comeback?
