1st IND vs NZ Test: Harbhajan Singh, an Indian off-spinner, has lauded Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid for sticking by Ajinkya Rahane despite his extended batting slump. Harbhajan is optimistic that Rahane will reward his faith and resurrect his stumbling career.
After his bad run with the bat continued in England, Rahane’s place in the Indian team was called into question. The 33-year-old only managed 109 runs in seven innings in four Tests, a terrible average of 15.57.
In the absence of Kohli, the Indian think-tank has entrusted Rahane with the captaincy of the first Test in the two-match series against New Zealand.
Virat Kohli
“With no Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the team in the first Test. Everyone was thinking whether or not he would be in the team. His numbers have not been good in recent times. Since the start of 2021, he has been averaging around 19. No doubt he is a very nice person and a very good cricketer, but his performances haven’t been up to the mark.” He stated
While Rahane has support for the time being, Harbhajan believes he must deliver or there would be too many batters waiting in the wings.
“It is good to see Virat, Rohit and Dravid back players like Rahane. They have thrown their weight behind him. I hope Rahane leads the team from the front and fulfills his responsibility. He needs to score runs so he can play on for longer. If he doesn’t, there is a big line behind him. There is Suryakumar Yadav and a few others as well.” he said
On Thursday, November 25, the opening Test of the two-match series between India and New Zealand begins at Green Park in Kanpur.
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