Ajinkya Rahane Should Be Included in the World Cup Squad - Dilip Vengsarkar

Former Indian National Cricket team skipper Dilip Vengsarkar has backed Ajinkya Rahane as a middle-order batsman to be on the plane to England for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019.

Meanwhile, the men in blues are in the process of finalising their squad. They still have five ODIs against Australia going into the World Cup. While they have already fixed more or less their team, the management is still pondering over the middle-order batting line up. Right now, the team has been pinning its hopes on the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik with Shubman Gill being the latest entrant in the middle-order.

While many have backed Rayudu as India’s choice for the no four batsman, many are of the view to included Rishabh Pant in the squad. But Rayudu has almost sealed the berth following his match-winning knock of 90 runs in the fifth ODI at Wellington. On the other hand, Kedar also looks certain for the World Cup with his side-arm off-spin coming in handy for the side. In addition to, Dinesh Karthik also looks in the scheme of things despite being inconsistent with the bat recently.

Rahane is a perfect

In the meantime, Dilip Vengasarkar has made surprise claims batting for Ajinkya Rahane’s inclusion in the ICC World Cup team. In an exclusive chat with Times of India, the former chairman of selectors said that Rahane has the experience to bat in any conditions which will help the side.

“I am not saying Rahane has to be played in every game. But you need a batsman who knows how to deal with conditions there and Rahane is the perfect fit,” Vengsarkar said.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane has last played an ODI early in 2018 against South Africa. But it is highly unlikely that Ajinkya Rahane will get an ODI slot with only five ODIs to go. Dilip Vengsarkar feels the home series against Australia can be the opportunity to try him out.

“He can come in at any slot, Rahane gives you options,” Vengsarkar added.

In conclusion, Dilip Vengsarkar also backed Vijay Shankar as India’s second all-rounder over Ravindra Jadeja.