MSK has also backed Rahane, stating that the 30-year-old is still part of India’s World Cup plans and the cricketer is not giving up yet.
India's batsmen Virat Kohli (L) and Ajinkya Rahane (Photo: AFP)
India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane played his last One Day International (ODI) match almost a year ago, but the Rajasthan Royals cricketer still hopes to make the cut for the World Cup squad.
Rahane has also asked the selectors to give him chances “more consistently” in the 50-over format. Though Rahane is an automatic choice in India’s Test team, the 30-year-old has been ignored by the selectors in the limited overs game.
Currently, Rahane has a strike rate of 78.63 in ODIs, and he also has some proper cricketing shots in his bucket but the Mumbai batsman is often assumed as someone who lacks the power-hitting to excel as a lower-order batsman.
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“As a batsman, I am aggressive but by nature, I am quite shy. I prefer to let my bat speak but sometimes it’s important to speak the truth,” Rahane, who is leading Mumbai in India’s domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 competition, told reporters.
“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 recognised,” Rahane said, before adding, “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.”
Recently, BCCI’s chief selector MSK has also backed Rahane, stating that the 30-year-old is still part of India’s World Cup plans and the cricketer is not giving up yet.
“It feels good that I am being considered. But at the same time, you need to get a chance,” said Rahane, who has played 90 ODIs for India.
“Playing the World Cup is a dream every cricketer cherishes. I do respect the selectors and team management’s performances and I think I deserve a chance,” Rahane added. “I am very much hopeful. Like I said, I keep negative thoughts away and you never know, things can change any time.”
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