India bowed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 losing to New Zealand by 18 runs in the semifinals at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The Men in Blues struggled due to a poor outing by the batsmen who failed to chase down 239 runs. Former India fielding coach Robin Singh feels Virat Kohli & Co missed versatile Ajinkya Rahane in the World Cup.
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Rahane would have been in my side: Robin
The India Test vice-captain was in England plying his trade in the County Championship for Hampshire. Ajinkya Rahane was a potential option for the no four spot who has had good record playing in England. The management needed two replacements during the World Cup due to injury, but they ignored Rahane on both occasions. While Rishabh Pant replaced injured Shikhar Dhawan, rookie Mayank Agarwal came in place of Vijay Shankar. More so, the selectors overlooked Ambati Rayudu who was the hot contenders for the second drop position.
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Robin Singh, who has thrown his hat in the race for the head coach’s role said that India missed an Ambati Rayudu or Ajinkya Rahane for the World Cup. Especially Rahane, who has a proper technique and is ideal to bat at four or five in these situations. Robin also said that Rahane would have certainly made into his World Cup side.
“Rahane and Rayudu would have been in my set-up…definitely. They have the experience of playing in such conditions. I don’t think it was a good call [to leave them out]. Rahane would have certainly been in my side. He would have been my No. 4. He can also bat at No. 5 and is a very good opener as well.
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He has the skills for English conditions. You need people with good technique and temperament. Anyone can play on a good track, but if the pitch is doing a bit, then you need players with good temperament and skills,” Robin told mid-day on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the race to be India’s head coach is getting hotter every day. While popular perceptions say that Ravi Shastri will retain his job, a few top contenders have already applied to give him a run for his money to be India’s next head coach.
