Former India batsman Dilip Vengsarkar expressed his disappointment over the non-inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane from the Indian squad in the ongoing 5 match ODI series against Australia. Vengasarkar is of the opinion that the selectors should have picked Ajinkya Rahane in the squad for the ongoing series.
Earlier too, Vengsarkar has called for the inclusion of Rahane given his experience. He doesn’t want the team to play Rahane in all the matches but he should be part of the squad at least feels the former Indian skipper.
He felt that the Indian team management just doing a big injustice to Rahane. Vengsarkar feels Rahane is a world-class batsman and will be very effective in English conditions. He further praised him for being a terrific fielder.
“I feel by ignoring talented and experienced Ajinkya, the Indian think tank is doing a grave injustice to him. He is a proven batsman in the English conditions and an outstanding fielder too,” the former BCCI Chairman was quoted as saying by the Mumbai Mirror.
Dilip Vengsarkar feels Ajinkya Rahane should be included in Indian World Cup squad
India has still not found a perfect No 4 option for the World Cup. They had a dilemma with the opening slot too as both Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan was out of touch coming into the 4th ODI in the series. However, both scoring runs might have cemented their places for the World Cup. But Vengsarkar feels given the experience Rahane has, he would have fit into both the roles as a reserve opener or as a No 4 batsman. However, given the current scenario, Rahane might not be in the Indian World Cup-bound squad.
“He (Ajinkya) will give the middle order the much-needed solidity besides the option as an opening batsman too as he has the experience of opening and also batting at No 4,” Vengsarkar said.
He further added that it is not a T20 tournament but a 50 overs event where building partnerships will be crucial if India loses early wickets. During that time the stability of Ajinkya Rahane will come into account. However, it is unlikely now that Rahane will board a flight to England for the 2019 World Cup.
Dilip Vengsarkar reminds that it won’t be a T20 tournament
“Mind you, it’s not a Twenty20 tournament but the 50-over World Cup where building a team total will decide the fate of the teams. We need a total of at least 280 in every game,” he has said.
Meanwhile, Vengsarkar also felt bad for Ravichandran Ashwin who despite being a top class bowler won’t find a place in the 2019 World Cup. Ashwin is 3rd most successful Indian spinner in Test cricket after Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. He is well on course to leapfrogging Harbhajan Singh and becoming the 2n most successful spinner for India in Tests. However, his limited-overs career looks bleak.
“They have decided on Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal as spinners. That rules out R Ashwin completely. I feel it is unfortunate because he is a class spinner and he will be more than handy in the English conditions.,” Vengsarkar said.