Ajinkya Rahane should replace Suresh Raina: Pranab Roy

In spite of making it through to the semifinals with an impressive win over Australia, there is many a batting concern within the Indian batting unit. A case can be made that the pitches haven’t really allowed most explosive batsmen the license to play the big shots. Former India East Zone selector Pranab Roy has come out stating that it is time Ajinkya Rahane came into the side. However, Pranab Roy also pointed out that the Wankhede wicket will offer no help to the spinners.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Roy said,“I know the opening pair has not fired yet, but the pitches they’re playing on are also very ordinary. Hence, I don’t see why Dhoni should change that as of now. I do feel Rahane should replace Suresh Raina for the next game as the latter has only been useful with the ball. The Wankhede pitch is flat and will offer nothing in the form of turn, it’s about time Rahane is given a chance.”

Roy added, “The previous four matches India has played on are ranked turners, hence we shouldn’t look into it so much also. Even other countries have not been able to score the run. But, keeping that in mind, it doesn’t make sense why curators have not made batting friendly pitches. This also exposes the fact that, apart from Virat Kohli every other batsman is failing to play spin properly.”

Roy also added that MS Dhoni isn’t a player who brings in changes in between a tournament. He also expressed shock regarding the exclusion of Harbhajan Singh stating that the 35-year old offspinner’s experience will be vital in the Indian team’s cause.

Roy said, “Dhoni is not the one to keep changing his squad, so I don’t think there will be major changes. But I was really surprised when Harbhajan wasn’t introduced. Hardik Pandya is an average medium pacer at best, and a good fielder, but on pitches such as Nagpur and Kolkata, Bhajji’s experience was vital. Don’t know why they didn’t have a look at him.”

However, Pranab Roy finally concluded that it was MS Dhoni is perhaps the best reader of the cricket game and his decisions are always analytical. he also picked the Indians to advance to the final of the World T20 ahead of the West Indies despite the towering presence of Chris Gayle.

He said, “Dhoni has one of the best understanding of the game if you look at previous captains, no one was as decisive and successful with his mid-match changes. Even in the Bangladesh game, no wicket-keeper in the world would take off the gloves and run for that.”

He said, “Even if Gayle score a century, India will have enough batting firepower to match it. The track is very batting friendly, and will give others apart from Kohli to showcase their talent.”