Wasim Jaffer has analyzed the performances and future prospects of three key Indian batters in England – Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara.
The former opener said Ajinkya Rahane has simply been a ‘disappointment’ in this series, with his tally of just 95 runs after three Tests.
Wasim Jaffer: Ajinkya Rahane Has Been A Disappointment And Needs To Fire If Selected In The Next 2 Tests
Wasim Jaffer argued that the vice-captain needs to rectify his tendency to get out softly while also scoring some runs in the next two Tests if he gets a chance.
Wasim Jaffer said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Ajinkya Rahane has been a disappointment. You know, he’s been getting out through soft dismissals, mostly caught behind. A player of his quality shouldn’t do that because the batting lineup depends a lot on him. He needs to fire if he gets another Test. On away tours, he’s been a very consistent player, he’s put up huge scores in Australia, England and South Africa. He needs to fire because the nets two Tests are very, very vital.”
Although the chances of Ajinkya Rahane getting dropped at the Oval are slim at the moment, if India decides to go ahead with this option, Hanuma Vihari is most likely to replace him. Hanuma Vihari is more experienced than any other batters on the bench and also provides the team an extra part-time bowling option.
Team India succumbed to defeat by an innings and 76 runs on Day 4 at Headingley against England. While Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli notched up half-centuries in the second innings, Ajinkya Rahane failed to come up with a decent score yet again.
Cheteshwar Pujara Should Bat In The Same Way In Near Future: Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer lauded the contributions of Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara in the last Test. He remarked that Cheteshwar Pujara should look to bat in a similar sanguine way in the future as well.
“Rohit batted really well. He looked set to score a hundred but unfortunately, he got out due to the umpire’s call. Pujara batted magnificently. He got out on 91 on the morning of the 4th day but he batted really well till then. He looked in a very positive mindset,” said Wasim Jaffer.
“Perhaps he should always bat in that way only because when he’s just defending, he puts pressure on himself and his partner as there isn’t much strike rotation too. I liked the way he batted here and I want him to continue because he’s got the shots,” added Wasim Jaffer.
The fourth and penultimate Test will kickstart at 3:30 PM IST at the Oval. The pitch is expected to be bouncy and seam-friendly at the start and then progressively favor spin as the game goes on.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s county stint before this tour will add to his experience when he bowls against the England batters, especially the left-handers. Shardul Thakur’s bowling had taken the hosts by surprise in Nottingham. He may return to the line-up in place of Ishant Sharma and help the team getting some runs as well on a flat Oval deck.
India predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), R Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
England predicted XI: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Ollie Pope, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran/Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson