Ajinkya Rahane Might Walk In Playing XI For Third Test

Ajinya Rahane could make his comeback in the third Test of the series against South Africa, looking at team India’s preparation for the game. As per a report in PTI, Rahane had an extended net session along with skipper Virat Kohli, which indicates that Rahane might walk in the playing XI to replace an underperforming Rohit Sharma.

Right from the start of the series, the benching of Rahane was a surprise as he holds a good record outside India. Though he was not the man in form, it was one of the blips which can happen with any player. In a series where Rahane was struggling, Rohit shone with the bat and went ahead of his statemate to win the race.

In the two matches, Rohit’s highest score is 47 and he has failed to do justice with the opportunities provided to him, which now might see Rahane coming in to play the dead rubber.

India have already lost the Test series with one game still to be played and the pressure will be on the visitors to somehow avoid a defeat in the third Test – the chances of which are minute.

In other changes going into the third Test, one can also expect a comeback for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is an all-round option, which adds to the luxury of any team later down the order. Shikhar Dhawan might also walk in the playing XI, replacing KL Rahul – who suffered an injury scare during the practice session.

He was hit by a ball bowled by Ishant Sharma and was later seen applying ice pack on the knee, which could see him sitting out of the third game.

The third and the final Test match of the series will be played from January 24 to 28 at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Post the completion of the Test series, India will play six ODIs and three T20Is against the hosts. The India ODI regulars will fly from India on January 24 and will join the team next day.

Follow India’s tour to South Africa here: South Africa Vs India – Freedom Series

Video of the day –