Out-Of-Form Ajinkya Rahane Key To India's Chances In Overseas Tests

The case of Ajinkya Rahane is perhaps first of its kind for the Indian team management. Over the years, even the greatest of players struggled to get going in overseas conditions or were not prolific as they were in familiar conditions. However, the case is pretty much opposite when it comes to Rahane.

The Mumbai star’s recent struggles in India must have had given the team management a lot to worry. After two ducks in four Ranji Trophy innings, the right-handed batsman managed just 17 runs in three Tests against Sri Lanka, a series where the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Vijay and Rohit Sharma made merry. But at the same time, there is no denying the fact that team will rely on him heavily when it tours South Africa for a three-Test series next month.

“His overseas record is phenomenal. He is one of the few players who has scored in every overseas country we have toured. That shows the quality he possesses. And you know he is a quality player who has performed when the chips are down for the team. He will be hurting with the kind of dismissals he has had, and he is too good a player to not making runs for a long time,” batting coach Sanjay Bangar had said during the series against Sri Lanka.

Not surprisingly, Rahane is warming the bench in the ongoing One-Day International series against Sri Lanka but it is more than likely that he will be one of the first few names in the team list when the series against South Africa starts. And the reason behind it is his remarkable performance in away tours.

The difference in Rahane’s performance at home and away is an interesting one. While his average at home is modest 36.88, he averages more than 53 in away games.

Rahane’s home and away stats

Well, Rahane might have been facing the criticism for under-performing in Indian conditions but there is absolutely no denying the fact that the team will be looking towards him in the upcoming season where India is scheduled to play against South Africa, Australia and England.