Time To Pick Same Players In All Formats Of The Game - Ajinkya Rahane

India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane believes it is the right time for the Indian selectors to pick the same players in all the three formats of the game. In fact, it is well said that a good Test batsman can always be a good ODI or a T20 batsman but vice-versa might not be true. Furthermore, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly had stated the same to maintain the right rhythm and confidence.

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Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is generally seen playing in the longest format for the Indian team. He is not part of the ODI and the T20I side as his strike rate can be an issue. However, Rahane is someone who can rotate the strike at regular intervals and he can be given his chance at the troublesome position of number four.

Rahane’s current form isn’t the best.

Rahane believes one must have consistency in all the three forms of the game. The flamboyant right-hander stated that it gives players more confidence if the team has the same core group.

“It’s very important to be consistent. It’s good to have a core group. Dada had talked about the importance of having a core group across the 3 different formats. I always believed in that. When you have consistency, players tend to become more confident,” Ajinkya Rahane said while speaking to India Today.

“If you have the same core group, it gives the players confidence and belief that the team is backing them. It’s definitely good for the team,” the India star added.

“When you’re playing ODI cricket and Test cricket consistently for a few months, you can easily get to know how to adapt and take your game forward. It becomes a different ball game when you’re not playing for 3-4 months at the international formats.”

Rahane said that a batsman can fit into the white-ball formats if he has done well in the longest form of the game. The Test deputy believes that it is challenging to control one’s shot if the batsman is making the switch from shorter formats to the red ball version.

“I think my approach is different from the current generation players’ approach. But, I always focus on evolving with the game. You can be stranded behind. I think even Test matches run rate has become important. So you have to play your shots. I know, if one can play Test cricket well, he can fit into any format,” Rahane added.

“If your technique is solid, you can easily adapt to 50-over and T20I cricket. If you’re coming from T20I cricket to Tests, it can be a bit challenging when it comes to controlling shots,

“I have always believed in consistency. Consistency is key. If you’re backing a player, you need to be consistent with him.”

Ajinkya Rahane will return to International action when India will take on West Indies in a two-Test match series. Rahane recently played for Hampshire in the County Cricket but his performance was not up to the mark. India will play the first Test match against West Indies from 22 August.

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