Zaheer Khan Feels Indian Team Management Doesn't Have Enough Confidence In Players On Bench That Is Why They Are Not Replacing Ajinkya Rahane

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan reiterated to replace India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane in the batting order for the final Test against England in Manchester.

Rahane’s poor form with the bat continued at The Oval where he went for an eight-ball duck in the second innings and apart from his 61 at Lord’s, the senior Indian batsman has not added enough runs throughout the series which displays a lack of consistency.

Ajinkya Rahane scored 109 runs from seven innings

Rahane has amassed 109 runs from seven innings at an average of 15.57 and his critics have constantly asked for him to be replaced with either Suryakumar Yadav or Hanuma Vihari to replace him.

We would have seen Ajinkya Rahane being dropped in the previous match itself: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan thinks that the Indian team management doesn’t have enough confidence in the players on the bench and that is the reason why they support Rahane. Zaheer also pointed that India made changes in the bowling department and that is what he wants to see in the batting unit as well.

“If the team had enough confidence in the players on the bench, we would have seen Ajinkya Rahane being dropped in the previous match itself. Because change showed good results; changes were made in the bowling unit last match, and the result was good, so why not do the same with batting. If we think in that direction, I think the change should be made with Rahane,” Zaheer told Cricbuzz. 

“See, what I said in my opinion, and what I saw, suggests that Rahane should not get a place in the team. But what we have seen from the team so far, their approach shows that we will see Rahane playing in the match.”

“Because the environment was different last time, this time they are coming off a win. Sometimes, players are given confidence. and they are told that you are backed by the team. You are a strong member of the batting unit, and we are confident with your abilities; so go out and perform well,” he added. 

India will play the fifth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester on September 10.

Also Read: You’ll Have To Go Back, Analyze, And Work Hard – Zaheer Khan Suggests Domestic Route For Ajinkya Rahane