‘I don’t understand why they are saving Ajinkya Rahane’ - Danish Kaneria wants veteran Indian batter to be dropped

Nothing much has gone Ajinkya Rahane’s way in the recent past as the Indian vice-captain is struggling to get runs. In the ongoing series against England, the veteran has constantly struggled against the swing red cherry. Besides a 61-run knock in Lord’s, Rahane doesn’t have much to show in the series. Owing to the same, many fans and experts have been questioning his place in the playing XI.

Interestingly, after failing in the first three Tests, Rahane was dropped down to the sixth position in the batting order. However, the tactical move didn’t work at all as the 33-year-old couldn’t do much in the fourth Test. While he scored 14 in India’s first innings, the right-handed batter bagged a three-ball duck in the second innings at the Kennington Oval in London.

Speaking of Rahane’s regular failures, former Pakistan Danish Kaneria said the team management is trying to save the veteran by bringing him down in the order. Asserting Rahane hasn’t been in form, Kaneria also said either Suryakumar Yadav or Hanuma Vihari should take his spot in the playing XI.

Ajinkya Rahane is not in form and he doesn’t know where his off-stump is: Danish Kaneria

“I don’t understand why they are saving Ajinkya Rahane. If he isn’t able to perform in this innings then let the gates open for Suryakumar Yadav or Hanuma Vihari. Rahane is not in form and he doesn’t know where his off-stump is. If you know a player isn’t in form then you should have replaced him. A message goes to the opposition that you are saving the batsman,” Danish Kaneria stated in his YouTube channel.

As far as Rahane’s overall tally this series is concerned, he has slammed just 109 runs in seven innings with his average being just a tad over 15. Hence, it will be interesting to see if the team management continues to persist with him and make a change for the fifth Test which takes place in Manchester.

Meanwhile, stakes are incredibly high in the ongoing fourth Test. With the series being poised at 1-1 after the first three matches, the winner of this contest would take an unassailable 2-1 lead. Hence, both teams must leave no stones unturned to emerge victoriously.