IND vs WI: “The Selectors Have To Figure Out What Do They Want From Ajinkya Rahane” – Deep Dasgupta

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta reckons that the selectors should figure out vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s role in the squad. Deep Dasgupta highlighted the inconsistency in Ajinkya Rahane’s batting, stating that he tends to underperform after one good innings.

Rahane was recalled to the national team in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia last month. The right-handed batter impressed with his batting in the final, scoring 89 runs and 46 runs in the two innings, respectively.

Also read: IND vs WI: “You Get The Feeling That The Notice Period Is On” – Aakash Chopra Questions Ajinkya Rahane’s Place

What Are Their Expectations Of Ajinkya Rahane – Deep Dasgupta

In a conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Deep Dasgupta highlighted the challenge for selectors in regard to Ajinkya Rahane’s role in the Test squad.

“He played a really good knock WTC finals. He looked really compact. But then that’s followed by three, rather three innings, right?”

“Yeah, three innings of not really much substance. The selectors have to figure out what do they want from Ajinkya Rahane? What are their expectations of Ajinkya Rahane.”

Ajinkya Rahane scored just 8 runs in India’s first innings in the second Test in Port of Spain on Thursday, July 20. Rahane was dismissed by Shannon Gabriel just before the tea break.

Also read: IND vs WI: Virat Kohli Becomes Fifth Leading Run-Getter In International Cricket, Surpassing Jacques Kallis

It’s Quite Surprising – Deep Dasgupta

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that he was surprised by the selectors’ decision to appoint Rahane as the vice-captain for the West Indies series.

“If it’s gonna be one inning out of five, if that’s the kind of ratio, should they still persist with them or they start, it’s about time to start looking at maybe someone else.”

“So I think it’s very important for the selectors to figure out their expectations. And it’s quite surprising that he’s been made the vice captain of this series as well, which I thought was quite surprising after making a comeback in the WTC finals.”

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja played the final session without losing any wickets as India ended Day 1 on 288/4. Kohli scored 87 runs, while Jadeja contributed 36 runs.

Also read: IND vs WI: “Absolute Determination, Dedication And Discipline” – Aakash Chopra Lauds Virat Kohli’s Knock In 2nd Test