It has happened. The unthinkable has happened. Ajinkya Rahane, the so-called crisis performer is dropped. Yes, he is dropped though the official version is that he sustained a minor left hamstring strain during the final day’s play at Kanpur. However, I would like to think that he has been dropped for this test because no one absolutely no one is aware that he had injured himself during the last test. Nevertheless, Rahane is dropped from the test – finally.
What’s with the secrecy?
Not just Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Jadeja aren’t playing in the test either. It looks like all the 3 injured themselves in the first test. If that was the case, why wasn’t this revealed right after the test or atleast prior to the second test? What’s with the secrecy? What could possibly be in play to not reveal their injuries? I can very well understand the team management not wanting to reveal that Jadeja is injured. They didn’t want New Zealand to gain confidence because Jadeja is that important a player. However, whether Ishant or Rahane is injured is immaterial to them. If anything, New Zealand will certainly miss both of them. If only they were playing, New Zealand have 2 less players to worry about. Laxman categorically stated that Kohli did not reveal anything during the press conference.
“Did something happen this morning? But Virat Kohli said nothing about in the press conference yesterday. It is obviously a big blow. Jadeja was injured in that England series and Axar Patel came in and he was named Player of the Series.”
Nonetheless, everyone is aware that Rahane has been dropped. Social media is having a field day because of the duplicitous nature of the communication. I am particularly pleased that something that must have happened a few years ago, has finally happened. Ofcourse, Rahane may even be back for the South African series. One will never know until it happens. He has this impression of performing well outside of India though that impression was undone quite a few times.
Shubnam Gill continues to frustrate
The surprise right at the beginning was ofcourse Kohli winning the toss. The grin on his face must be seen to be believed. Shubnam Gill, the outrageously talented youngster has wasted one more start. His talent is not in question but his temperament may well be questioned. Coupled with that, he seems to be having a technical problem. It looks like he is susceptible for the incoming delivery. He gets beaten at both ends of the bat. On the faster South African pitches, that will become a serious problem. Perhaps, too much exposure to T20 cricket has spoiled his technique. Having said that, he will do well to address that technical issue as well as his temperament, quickly, because once Rahul and Rohit returns, he will not find a spot at the top though I wish he is preferred instead of Rahul.
Now that Mayank has scored a hundred, if Shreyas comes out well in the 2nd test, Gill will not be able to replace him or Rahane in the middle order either. Gill is young and has loads of talent and time on his side but that does not mean that he can take matters lightly. He must make use of the opportunities that he gets lest he may go the Prithvi Shaw way.
Enough of this Kohli
Kohli’s on-field behaviour has become ridiculous. He is just like Ashwin in that he keeps on pushing the boundary of behaviour. All the talk is that that is how Kohli plays is hogwash. It must stop. Here he was arguing with the umpire because he was given out leg before wicket. He may have hit the ball before the ball hit the pad. The umpire may have been wrong but a decision was made. The third was unable to overturn the verdict either for want of concrete evidence. The only option before any batsman at that point is to walk back to the pavilion but Kohli stood there and kept on fighting with the umpire. How many times have we seen this? Kohli arguing with the umpire. It has happened far too many times to be counted. I wish Nitin Menon had told him to take a walk.
One of the zillion rules in cricket is not to argue with the umpire after a decision has been made. I wish to see Kohli banned for a few months and fined a hefty amount for his continuous misbehaviour. At this stage, only a severe punishment will teach a lesson to Kohli. Anyone who wants to follow him will also learn a valuable lesson. Match referee, Javagal Srinath must really take a harsh view of this outrageous behaviour.
The BCCI may not support him
Kohli is the captain of perhaps the strongest board in world cricket but that does not give him the right to behave like a jerk. He may do well to remember that the board may not come to his rescue. Afterall, he remains the captain who failed to win a single ICC tournament in 5 attempts. His stocks has fallen. Already, the clamour for him to be replaced as the ODI skipper is gaining ground. It will descend into a chorus if Rohit manages to win the T20 World Cup next year in Australia. Together, with his form slump, an average of less than 30 in 3 years without a single hundred, Kohli cannot hope for much support.
Rahane is dropped from the test – finally concluding words
There is no need to hide the fact that Rahane has been dropped. As I had written in one of the previous blog, Kohli may not want to be seen as Rahane is dropped because of his own returns over the last 3 years. I atleast hope that the concerned player is aware that he is dropped because of his meagre returns and not because he is injured, if at all.
What do you think? Do you think Rahane has been dropped or do you believe in the official version? Let me know your comments.