Former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth opined that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ajinkya Rahane would be an excellent addition to India’s ODI World Cup squad.
Notably, Rahane has been selected to travel to England for the anxiously anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final alongside 14 other players.
With a dramatic shift in his approach to batting, Ajinkya Rahane has taken the IPL 2023 by storm with his blistering innings. The 34-year-old has amassed a total of 224 runs at a respectable average of 44.80, with impressive scores of 61, 31, 37, 9, 71*, and 15 in his previous appearances.
Sreesanth, who won the 2011 World Cup, endorsed the Maharashtra-born batsman’s participation in the upcoming ODI mega event. He added that Rahane would be a suitable fit for the squad’s fourth position.
“I would adore for him to join the team. The manner in which he is performing, particularly with the World Cup taking place in India,. This will be one of the most audacious actions the committee can take. I am confident that he will perform well in the final of the World Test Championship. However, he should not judge himself by that performance,” Sreesanth told Star Sports.
“He should be granted the chance (ODI). “Let’s see if there are other tournaments; if he is given the white-ball cricket back, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him going at No. 4 and winning matches for the country if he is given the white-ball cricket back,” he added.
Sunil Gavaskar has a good notion, but not at this time.
India legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was also present during the segment, stated that the decision may not be optimal at this time. However, he predicted that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who are also having an excellent season in the division, would bat in the middle order if given the opportunity.
“Yes, I believe it is a good concept, but not at this time. White-ball game, no Test match, absolutely; white-ball game, no; I would seek elsewhere. Possibly someone who has been performing well in white-ball. “Openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad can bat in the middle order if they don’t find a spot at the top of the order,” Gavaskar said.
Jaiswal has accumulated 428 runs in nine matches, including one hundred and three fifties, while Gaikwad has amassed 354 runs in 10 matches, including two fifty-point scores.
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