- Ajinkya Rahane: Ajinkya Rahane has scored a century with a strong performance. Rahane has increased the hope of comeback in Team India.
Source : X/Leicestershire
Ajinkya Rahane Team India:
Ajinkya Rahane has been out of Team India for a long time. But he has once again knocked on the door of the Indian team by scoring a century. Rahane scored a century for Leicester in a match of County Championship Division Two 2024. Rahane scored 102 runs facing 192 balls. With the help of his century, the Leicester team reached close to 300 runs. Rahane scored a century just before the India-Bangladesh Test series. He has raised the hope of returning to Team India.
Actually, a match is being played between Leicester and Glamorgan in Cardiff in the County Championship. During this match, Rahane came to bat at number four during Leicester’s second innings. He scored 102 runs in 192 balls. Rahane also hit 13 fours and 1 six in this innings. He started trending on social media after this century. Many posts have been shared on Instagram about Rahane.
Rahane played the last Test for Team India in July 2023. He could not return to Team India after this match. Now a Test series will be played between India and Bangladesh from September 19. Rahane can be given a chance for this series. His brilliant performance has been seen for Team India so far. Rahane has scored 5077 runs in 85 Test matches. During this, he has scored 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. Rahane’s best Test score has been 188 runs.
Let us tell you that before this century, Rahane could not do anything special in the last three innings. But before this he had scored two consecutive half-centuries. He played an innings of 70 runs against Hampshire. At the same time, he scored 62 runs against Glos.
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗗 💯🤩
— Leicestershire CCC 🦊 (@leicsccc) September 1, 2024
What a knock by @ajinkyarahane88! He cuts back-to-back deliveries for four to reach his first century for the Foxes. What a player. 💫
📸 – @John_M100
🦊#GLAvLEI pic.twitter.com/dFhNeUIvcz
Ajinkya Rahane, one of India’s most dependable and experienced Test batsmen, has once again showcased his class with a scintillating century in the County Championship. His recent performance has reignited discussions about his potential return to Team India, particularly in the Test format. Let’s delve into what this century means for Rahane’s career and whether it could pave the way for his comeback to the national team.
The Journey of Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane’s career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with remarkable highs and challenging lows. He was once regarded as the backbone of India’s middle order in Test cricket, known for his calm demeanor, impeccable technique, and ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions. Rahane played a pivotal role in some of India’s most memorable Test victories, including the historic series win in Australia in 2020-21, where he captained the team in the absence of Virat Kohli.
However, like many athletes, Rahane’s form took a dip, leading to his exclusion from the Test squad in early 2022. The emergence of young talents and stiff competition for spots in the Indian batting lineup meant that Rahane had to go back to the drawing board and work his way back into contention.
The Significance of the Century
Scoring a century in the County Championship is no small feat. English conditions are known for being challenging, especially for subcontinental batsmen. The swinging ball, seaming pitches, and overcast weather conditions test a batsman’s technique and temperament. Rahane’s ability to not only survive but thrive in such conditions is a testament to his skill and experience.
This century is significant for several reasons:
- Form and Confidence: After being sidelined from the Indian team, Rahane needed a strong performance to regain his confidence and prove his form. A century in English conditions is a powerful statement of intent.
- Experience Matters: Rahane’s experience is invaluable, especially for an Indian team that has recently relied on young and relatively inexperienced batsmen in Test cricket. His ability to anchor the innings and guide younger players is something that Team India could benefit from.
- Timing: With crucial Test series on the horizon, including assignments in challenging conditions like South Africa and England, Rahane’s experience and recent form could make him a valuable asset.
Will Rahane Return to Team India?
The question on everyone’s mind now is whether this century will open the doors for Ajinkya Rahane’s return to the Indian Test squad. While the decision ultimately rests with the selectors, there are several factors that could influence this:
- Team Balance and Composition: The Indian Test team is currently in a phase of transition, with a mix of experienced players and young talents. The team management will need to assess whether Rahane’s inclusion would balance the squad, especially if they need a seasoned middle-order batsman.
- Competition: Rahane will have to compete with established players like Cheteshwar Pujara and the rising stars who have performed well in recent series. His century in the County Championship gives him a strong case, but it will depend on how the selectors view his form relative to others.
- Upcoming Challenges: India has some tough away tours lined up, and the experience of someone like Rahane could be crucial in navigating the team through these challenging conditions. His familiarity with English and South African conditions could give him an edge.
Conclusion
Ajinkya Rahane’s century in the County Championship is a significant milestone in his career, potentially marking the beginning of a resurgence. Whether it leads to a recall to the Indian Test team remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Rahane has once again proven his mettle and hunger for runs. For Indian cricket fans, his potential return is an exciting prospect, offering a blend of experience and stability to the Test side. As the cricketing world watches closely, Rahane’s journey is far from over, and his best might still be yet to come.