An average of just above 32 in 50 test matches. An average that was more than 51 about 5 years ago is now down to below 40. These are the statistics of Ajinkya Rahane. Anyone with such performance, would have been dropped from the team a few years ago. Leave alone India, this sort of performance will not be acceptable even in New Zealand or Sri Lanka where the player base in those countries is much less than India’s. They will need quality players all the time. They cannot afford slackers. On the otherhand, Rahane is consistently picked not only in the squad but in the playing eleven itself. Dravid too has defended Rahane. Let me offer my thoughts in Rahane has successfully fooled Dravid.
What did Dravid comment?
The new Indian coach, Rahul Dravid, when answering a question regarding Rahane’s form, replied that, “I don’t get worried, you don’t get worried,” Dravid said. “Of course you would like more runs from Ajinkya. I am sure he would like a few more runs.” Dravid adds. “He is a quality player. He has done well for India in the past.”
Dravid continues. He is one of those guys who has that quality. He has the experience. Hopefully it’s just a matter of an innings, a matter of a game where he can turn it around. Certainly he would like to score more runs. He knows that. And we know that.”
In constant communication with the management
Rahul Dravid, I am sure has followed Indian cricket ever since his retirement. It is believed that he was in constant touch with Shastri and Kohli throughout the last 6 years. He was the head of the National Cricket Academy at Bangalore and thereby worked with the 2nd and 3rd string of players. He was instrumental in supplying players to the main team whenever there was a need. Siraj, Gill, Pant and a few others benefitted greatly from Dravid’s knowledge. One of the reason India now can successfully field a strong second string side is because of Dravid who nurtured talent and supported them throughout.
The Sri Lankan tour
Remember, that side that toured Sri Lanka in July won the ODI series and if not for Covid, would have won the T20 series too. The reason for that was not only the fact Dravid had worked with most of the team members of that tour but he was intent on creating a string of replacements who can replace anyone in the senior team and be match ready. Ofcourse, he made the mistake of replacing 5 players for the final ODI without which India would have won all the 3. Nevertheless, the fact is that this series was a clear testament to Dravid’s long term plan and vision.
Dravid must be aware of how Rahane has under performed
Dravid would have been certainly aware of Rahane’s failings and how it has become next to impossible for Rahane to in the playing eleven. Yet, Dravid is hopeful that it is just a matter of one innings. One innings that will change the fortune of Rahane and the team. To listen to such words from a player of Rahul’s stature is disheartening. For someone like Shreyas Iyer, who performed admirably in the first test, this statement from the coach must be devastating. Now, he may not be playing in the next test with Kohli’s impending inclusion. There is no better way to destroy the confidence of a player like how Dravid just did or will be doing.
Dravid must only know too well how he was constantly shunted in the batting order when a so-called Tendulkar would not budge. He must have felt unsecure. He surely does not want the same disappointment imposed upon another youngster.
Lack of experience and middle order bother
The Indian batting is already in a spot of bother. Rohit Sharma is the only one to score runs consistently. He is not playing this series. There are 2 inexperienced openers at the top followed by Pujara, Kohli and Rahane (assuming that he plays). All the 3 have a combined average 3 runs short of 30 in over 3 years. This essentially means that the Indian batting is in disarray. No one knows who will get runs. You were given a lifeline. A youngster has just batting beautifully in both the innings of the first test. Without his runs, the team would have lost the test. Yet, the team management may have the temerity to drop that youngster for a veteran whose returns have been few and far between. A veteran who is past his sell by date.
Kohli’s predicament
One maybe inclined to think that Kohli himself would not want to drop Rahane because his own returns over the last 3 years is much below his standards. He himself has scored less number of runs without any century though in less number of games at a lesser average compared to Rahane. He may not want to drop Rahane because he would not have an answer if the question arises. This is where the guidance and the decision making skills of Dravid will be required. Dravid must take it upon himself to drop Rahane and allow Shreyas to take up his rightful place.
Conclusion to Rahane has successfully fooled Dravid
One can only hope that better sense prevails when the Indian team is selected for the 2nd test because India just cannot afford to slack one more time. New Zealand have shown that they are ready to fight. It is time for Rahul and Kohli to show that they value youngsters and will recognise their efforts.