Cricket

SA vs IND 2022: I hope Ajinkya Rahane is given another chance in Cape Town – Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh is hopeful that Ajinkya Rahane is given another chance in the third Test match against South Africa.

Rahane has been under the scanner for his place as he hasn’t been in the best of forms in the last two years.

Rahane’s Test average has dropped down below 40 as he hasn’t been consistent. In fact, a lot of cricket experts thought that Rahane shouldn’t have received his opportunity in the first Test match against South Africa.

However, he scored 48 runs in the first innings of the opening Test and then scored a little cameo of 20 runs in the second dig. Rahane’s place in the final XI once again came under scrutiny after he was dismissed for a golden duck in the first essay of the second Test match. However, once again Rahane made the most of his experience and scored a valuable knock of 58 runs in the second innings. Thus, he is expected to keep his place in the third Test.

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube Channel, “The good thing that happened in the Johannesburg Test was that runs came from Ajinkya Rahane’s bat in the second innings. I hope Ajinkya Rahane is given another chance in Cape Town. It should not happen that Virat Kohli comes in and Ajinkya Rahane is made to sit out.”

The Turbanator added that Rahane should try to convert his fifties into hundreds and grab his opportunity with both hands. Rahane had scored his last Test century back in the Melbourne Test match against Australia in 2020. The right-hander has got off to some starts in the recent past but he has failed to get a big score.

“I will want Rahane to score runs, to convert the fifty to a hundred, so that his confidence will be better for the upcoming series. The sword is hanging over the necks of Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara. So, it felt good that both of them scored runs and batted with responsibility.”

On the other hand, India’s veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara is also under the pump after a string of low scores. Pujara also scored a fine knock of 53 runs in the second innings and had added 111 runs with Rahane. Thus, both of these players are expected to keep their place in the team.

Bhajji added, “Both of them are formidable players, it does not need to be mentioned. They have been in the Indian team for a long time and have secured a permanent place for themselves although Ajinkya did not have a good last season, he didn’t score the big runs.”

“I hope those fifties would have been converted to centuries but it’s good to see that both of them are gaining their confidence. I know there is a lot of pressure when a player is not in form but I think you guys have done a commendable job.”

The third Test match will be played at Cape Town from January 11.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Michael Vaughan feels India will miss previous tours’ ‘snarl’ to take down Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reckons India will miss the previous tours’ aggressive captaincy of… Read More

November 22, 2024

Deep Dasgupta wants Virat Kohli to play with ‘combative mindset’ against Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta has urged Virat Kohli to play with an aggressive… Read More

November 22, 2024

Michael Hussey surprised after Ashwin-Jadeja’s omission in 1st AUS vs IND 2024 Test

Former Australian batter Michael Hussey has shared his surprise after Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja… Read More

November 22, 2024

Cheteshwar Pujara backs ‘experienced’ Virat Kohli to play important role in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed experienced Virat Kohli to play a key role in… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection, says all-rounder lacks first-class experience

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection in the opening Test match against… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar backs under-fire KL Rahul to find success in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has put his weight behind under-fire KL Rahul to savour success in… Read More

November 22, 2024