Why Rahane can be significant to India's chances at the World Cup

Tags: India, Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane

Published on: Oct 21, 2014

In all probability, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India at the World Cup. But, Ajinkya Rahane will be the dark horse at the top of the order in case either of the two fail,

In all probability, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India at the World Cup. But, Ajinkya Rahane will be the dark horse at the top of the order in case either of the two fail, or even if India decide to change the opening combination. Of late, Rahane has done well for India at the top of the order in one-dayers. Significantly, he has expressed interest in continuing to open the innings if given the opportunity. Although, India would ideally like Rahane to bat in the middle order, he must be kept ready for opening as well in case his services are needed at the top of the order.


Rahane's career has been disappointing till date since he hasn't converted many of his starts. On numerous occasions, he has looked good for a big score but has fallen to soft dismissals. This is one of the reasons Rahane has only one ODI ton till date, and averages under 30. But, things must be put into perspective. He has mostly had a stop start ODI career, and it is only recently that he has got more of a permanent spot in the team. The good part about Rahane is that he is aware of where he is going wrong. In a recent interview, he has admitted that he has to work on his consistency.


People may be talking about Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli as the World Cup gets closer, but Rahane could play a very crucial role in the tournament. Both Kohli and Raina are stroke makers, but it is also a fact that their techniques could be suspect under tough conditions. It is not to say that Raina and Kohli will struggle in Australia and New Zealand. On the contrary, they might flourish with the ball coming on to the bat. However, there are also chances of them not doing so well. Kohli has fallen recently to the away going ball, and Raina's struggles against the short ball are well-known.


Rahane, though not as flamboyant as some of the others in the team, can end up being a crucial member of the eleven irrespective of where he bats. It is a fact that, of all the batsmen in the team, he has the best technique to deal with the conditions. Rahane's temperament also is excellent, and he has proved the same in challenging conditions in South Africa and England as well. With the kind of talent and technique he possesses, there is no reason why he shouldn't be successful in Australia and New Zealand. India thus must be careful that they do not underestimate Rahane's place in the team for the World Cup.


--By A Cricket Analyst

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