Aakash Chopra, a former India cricketer-turned-analyst, believes that Ajinkya Rahane’s slightly altered batting technique may or may not be the optimal strategy for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval in London.
Ajinkya Rahane came close to scoring his 13th Test century, but Indian supporters praised his 89 runs off 129 deliveries. When the Indian batting order began to crumble, they urgently needed someone to hold the fort, which is when Rahane displayed a batting masterclass.
Before Rahane came to bat, India had lost three wickets for a total of 50 runs. He maintained his composure and formed a formidable alliance with Shardul Thakur. The veteran’s 11 fours and one six in the first inning substantially boosted the Indians’ score. At the Oval, the 35-year-old completed a sensational recovery with a classy 89 to lead India’s comeback against Australia. Interestingly, this was his highest test score since December 2020, when he scored 112 against Australia.
In a similar vein, Chopra was not wholly satisfied with Rahane’s predominantly back-foot play, despite his excellent knock.
“Ajinkya Rahane has modified his technique slightly. Both of his feet remain within the penalty area, which is a positive trait, and he plays extremely late, but he makes no forward progress. I am undecided; I am not convinced that this is the best method to play. That is one way to play, and then there is Virat Kohli’s method, who received a wicket-taking ball but could have negotiated it more effectively. Also appreciated by Marnus Labuschagne is a front-foot commitment. This is likely why he gets struck so frequently. Chopra stated on his YouTube channel, Cricket ki Chaupal, that if you play the ball on your back foot, you may be better able to control it.
Aakash Chopra also praised Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur for preventing Australia from enforcing the follow-on.
“Ajinkya Rahane batted magnificently. He certainly got out in the end and also got a livelihood. Prior to that, Pat Cummins made two LBW calls that were incorrect, one against Rahane and the other against Shardul. You preserved the continuation, and I believe they were not going to enforce it anyway,” he added.
The tragic injury of Shreyas Iyer, who established himself as India’s reliable number five in Tests, led to Rahane’s inclusion in the Test squad. Due to Iyer’s absence, Rahane was given the opportunity to return to the team after an 18-month absence. Rahane was under significant pressure to perform and justify his selection, as he may not have another opportunity in the immediate future.
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