Ajinkya Rahane feels that he deserves more chances in ODIs
Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane last featured in the ODI side in February 2018. The right-handed batsman has been overlooked since then. With the ICC World Cup 2019 set to start from May 30 onwards, the ongoing series against Australia was perhaps the last chance for Rahane to showcase his skills. Rahane opened up about the lack of consistency in his selection.
Selectors haven't backed Rahane since 2018
Rahane was surprisingly left out against New Zealand and Sri Lanka for the ODI series at home post his success against Australia. He came back in 2018 and started well against South Africa with a splendid 79. Post that scores of 11, 8, 8 and 34* changed the mindset of the selectors. Rahane was omitted from the ODI squad and never returned.
Rahane was overlooked for series against Australia
Rahane, who has done pretty well in domestic cricket and on India A tours, was backed by chief selector MSK Prasad recently. Prasad had said that Rahane is in running for a spot in the World Cup squad. But the senior cricketer was ignored in the ODI squad for the series against the Aussies. Post this, the Indian players will be seen in IPL.
'Sometimes it's important to speak the truth'
Speaking to The Hindu, Rahane said, "I am quite shy. I prefer to let my bat speak but sometimes it's important to speak the truth. I have always believed the team comes first and respected the management and the selectors' decision. I will continue to do that. But in the end, it is important that your performance is recognized."
I deserve chances more consistently: Rahane
"The point is that if as a player I have always played for the team, then I deserve chances more consistently. That's the least I am asking. After I was dropped, I went back to domestic cricket and feel I have done reasonably well."
Rahane has been an able ODI customer
Rahane was once a trusted lieutenant in ODIs. He has played in 90 matches and can ably handle press situations. With three hundreds at an average of 35.26, Rahane has managed 2,962 runs. He was a regular since 2014. In 2017, Rahane was in supreme form against West Indies and Australia. He scored a ton and seven fifties in 10 matches.
Rahane is not the selectors' preferred choice: Our take
Rahane has been a pivotal member of the Test team, but when it comes to the white ball format, he hasn't quite been in the scheme of things. Rahane was earlier a regular under the leadership of MS Dhoni. He batted consistently in the middle. Since then, he was asked to bat at several positions. He lost his middle order slot to Ambati Rayudu.
