New Zealand vs India 2020: Virat Kohli Backs Ajinkya Rahane After Disastrous Tour

The right-handed batsman of India Ajinkya Rahane had a tough time on other day with the bat in the middle. He failed to deal with New Zealand bowlers, especially, the short-pitched deliveries, which made him look like a club batsman. Speaking of the same, Virat Kohli backs Rahane to the hilt.

After playing solid innings in Wellington, Rahane played 43 balls for 9 runs, in which, he looked completely uncomfortable.

Eventually, he ended up guiding Neil Wagner on to his stumps to leave India in troubled waters. Even the former cricketers highlighted his struggles with the bat and came up with a few stern statements.

Ajinkya Rahane has been very solid for us – Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, the Indian skipper Kohli backed his deputy saying that Ajinkya Rahane holds a special place in the Indian team. He believes Rahane will comeback stronger and deliver the goods like he used to do for India during tough times.

“Collectively as a batting unit we did not perform. We take the hit together as a group, batting group as a team. Firstly, Jinx is one of those players who has been very solid for us in Test cricket. I don’t look at averages and numbers,” Kohli said in the post-match press conference.

“It’ about impact performances. You know whether he is been able to make impact performances for the team and the answer for me is yes. Whenever we have required important performance from him, more often than not he has delivered in that regard,” he added.

Since his Test debut in 2013, Rahane has grown into one of the most impactful players in Test cricket for India, especially when the team travels overseas. He is gritty and resolute and is one who can deliver even under difficult circumstances. But, unfortunately, it wasn’t the case in the New Zealand tour.

India were bowled out for 124 in their second innings, setting New Zealand with a paltry chase of 132 for a 2-0 whitewash. Henry Nicholls hit the winning run for New Zealand with Tom Latham and Tom Blundell doing the bulk of the scoring.

Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets and Umesh Yadav one after the Kiwi openers put on a solid 103-run stand.