Ajinkya Rahane is still hoping to make a comeback in the Indian Test team. He has sent a strong message to the selection committee of Team India by scoring the 42nd century of his first-class career in the Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. He says that age should not be a criterion for team selection. He also said that he was ready to play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but no one contacted him for selection.
My team needs…
After the end of the second day’s play in the Mumbai vs Chhattisgarh Ranji Trophy match, Ajinkya Rahane said, “I believe that experienced players like me should be given more opportunities. I was not approached. I can only focus on the things which are under my control, that’s what I am doing at the moment. Team India needed me in Australia, I was fully prepared to play there.”
The question is whether Rahane was really ready to play against Australia? Last Ranji season, Rahane was not even among the top-4 batsmen of Mumbai. His average in 9 matches was 35.92. On the basis of these figures, Rahane is claiming to be selected in the BGT series. India lost 1-3 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Selection should not be done according to age
There was also speculation about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma that due to their increasing age, the pressure of retirement may increase on them. Rohit scored 202 runs in the series and Virat scored 74 runs in Sydney, putting all those speculations to rest.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane said, “Age should not be a criterion for selection, it all depends on passion. How much passion do you have for playing red ball cricket? Michael Hussey made his debut after the age of 30, yet he scored runs. Experience matters in red ball cricket. Personally, I believe that Team India needed me in Australia.”
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