Statement of intent
When he began his domestic career as an opener, Ajinkya Rahane was touted in local circles as the latest addition to the great stable of top-order batsmen that Mumbai have consistently managed to produce. However it was at No. 3, a position he dropped down to in his second season, that he raked up runs aplenty. His domestic average reached 60 and it seemed just a matter of time before the selectors would come calling. When they did eventually, Rahane was picked as an opener in limited-overs cricket, playing in 16 ODIs and seven T20s at that spot.
Back in the domestic circuit, the right-hander, however, he continued to bat one-drop for his state team despite Mumbai never having found a stable partner for Wasim Jaffer. But just when the youngster thought he had finally settled down at a number in the batting order, Rahane’s quest to finding his true identity was thrown into further turmoil as he was roped in for the Test series against England as a reserve middle-order batsman. And now he is vying for a spot in the middle order, at No.6 in the Indian Test team.
One of Rahane’s competitors for the middle order slot provided a timely reminder of his credentials with a stirring century in the Irani Cup on Thursday. And Suresh Raina couldn’t have picked a better time either-with the squad for the Australian series to be picked at the conclusion of this match-to showcase his stroke-play along with a few ironed out attributes.
Be the first to comment.
