ENG vs IND 2018: Ravi Shastri Leaps To Defence Of Out-Of-Form Ajinkya Rahane

India head coach Ravi Shastri has leapt in defence of under-fire Ajinkya Rahane who has failed miserably in the first two England vs India Tests.

Rahane has been one of the biggest disappointments for India in this series so far. Four years ago, it was hit century that had set up a famous victory at Lord’s. However, he is looking like a pale shadow of his usual self in the ongoing series. Rahane showed frail technique against the moving ball in the first two Tests.

His highest score so far in this series is 18. In four innings he has edged three times to the slips and once to the wicketkeeper. His struggles in testing conditions is quite disheartening, given he was India’s most consistent batsman on their previous cycle of overseas tours from December 2013 to January 2015. Well, the struggle in the ongoing series has only extended Rahane’s poor form.

His average has gone down drastically from 51.37 to 41.42 since 2016 and that is about ten runs per innings. Not surprisingly, the latest failures have attracted widespread criticism from all around.

However, Shastri has defended his vice-captain, saying batsmen from both the teams have struggled.

“It is not fair to single out any one player. Batsmen from both teams have struggled. It is a case of mental resolve, how you put mind over matter. Mental discipline will be the key as far as the batsmen are concerned. He (Ajinkya Rahane) is one of our players, he will remain one of our players,” he told the media ahead of the third Test.

Shastri also spoke on Ben Stokes who is included in England’s 13-man squad after being acquitted by the court in the affray trail.

“We focus on cricket. He is a terrific cricketer. We like to play against top cricketers as simple as that. He is cleared by the court, so what’s the reason for him not to play? If I was in England’s position, I would have wanted him to play,” said Shastri.