ICC World Cup 2019: Rahane confident of sealing a berth
Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has said that he is confident of sealing a berth in the squad for the World Cup 2019. The player last played an ODI in February 2018, but that hasn't deterred his confidence. It is set to be a tough road for Rahane with the Indian squad somewhat chalked out. Here we decode the possibility of Rahane's comeback.
Rahane is not the selectors' preferred choice for number 4
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. After the ODI series against South Africa, the right-handed batsman was dropped from the squad. It was expected that the player would seal the number 4 berth, but now the selectors prefer Ambati Rayudu over him.
I am confident of making a comeback: Rahane
According to a report on the ICC's official website, Rahane feels domestic cricket will help him stage a comeback to the ODIs. Rahane said, "I am confident of making a comeback and I am confident of playing the World Cup. That is why I played domestic cricket because it helped me and I am sure I will bounce back."
'It is important to stay in the present'
"Sometimes there is a phase where you score a 20 or a 30 and you feel I can get a big one, but your mind goes in the future and things change. It is important to stay in the present," said the middle order batsman.
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. Last year, Rahane was in supreme form against West Indies and Australia. He scored a ton and 7 fifties in 10 matches.
Selectors haven't backed Rahane in 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 series against England and West Indies.
Can Rahane make a comeback?
Rahane needs to score emphatically in the domestic circuit and also make it count against Australia in the Test series which starts in December. Solid runs could keep him in the radar of the selectors. A team can only field 15 players. Therefore the battle for a berth will be pretty tight. But given his experience, Rahane's fate could change for good.
Rahane does have a slim chance
Kedar Jadhav is injury prone and if he faces more issues, then a place will open up. Also there is another spot which was given to Rishabh Pant recently against West Indies. But Pant couldn't quite capitalize on the same. Therefore, several players are in contention. DK, Manish Pandey and Shreyas Iyer are there in the mix. Add Rahane to it as well.
