'A well-deserved honor for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the team' - Netizens welcome Ajinkya Rahane's return as Test Vice-Captain

Ajinkya Rahane was one of the pillars of the Indian batting unit, when the team began notching up memorable wins overseas, under Virat Kohli's captaincy. The Mumbai batter was assigned the role of vice-captain and he did the duty with consummate ease.

When Virat Kohli left Australia to attend the birth of his first baby, India were already blown away by Australia in the first of the four Tests, in the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, being dismissed for an embarassing 36 in the second innings. Mohammed Shami was injured while batting and was ruled out of the remainder of the series. Rahane, who was the designated vice-captain, took to captaincy and rejuvenated the side as they won the following Test convincingly, in Melbourne. The stylish right-hander scored a gritty century in the first innings, to lead the way.

India went on to win the series 2-1 with youngsters like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Mohammed Siraj stepping up. Rahane received a lot of plaudits for the way he led the inexperienced side against the mighty Aussies.

However, since that memorable series, Rahane's form dipped considerably. In 2021 and 2022, Rahane averaged 20.82 and 17.00, respectively. The selectors had enough and they dropped Rahane from the side after the South Africa series in January. The experienced campaigner, did the hard yards in domestic cricket and finished the 2022-2023 Ranji Trophy season with 634 runs in seven games, at an average of 57.64. He was the highest run scorer for Mumbai in the season. Rahane continued the good form in the Indian Premier League, helping Chennai Super Kings win their fifth title.

BCCI acknowledged the string of solid performances from the veteran and recalled him to the Indian Test side for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Rahane didn't disappoint and went on to score 89 and 46 in both innings as he looked India's most assuring batter in the middle.

Consequently, the 35-year-old has earned back vice-captaincy ahead of India's tour to the West Indies. He will be looking to carry on with the good form as India begin the 2023-2025 WTC cycle. This triggered the fans to share their views over social media.

Here's how fans reacted to Rahane's appointment as the Vice Captain on Twitter:

Ajinkya Rahane (🇮🇳) has been named the Vice-Captain of the Indian Test team! 👏

A well-deserved honor for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the team. pic.twitter.com/jMKvWmMR5w

— Vicky Singh (@VickyxCricket) June 23, 2023

Ajinkya Rahane is back as Vice - Captain of Indian Test Team !! 🤍🥳#WhistlePodu | #AjinkyaRahane | #WIvIND
📸: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/4BSmTjQDXS

— Saravanan Hari 💛🦁🏏 ‏ (@CricSuperFan) June 23, 2023

Ajinkya Rahane (VC) has a nice ring to it. pic.twitter.com/YK6UrNdYEN

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) June 23, 2023

🚨 | Ajinkya Rahane who was dropped from the Indian team is back as a vice captain after one good game in WTC Final.

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) June 23, 2023

Ajinkya Rahane is named the vice-captain, while Navdeep Saini is also back in Test squad. Sanju Samson and Jaydev Unadkat were included in the ODI squad.

— sabyasachi Poddar (@sabya_poddar)

June 23, 2023

#AjinkyaRahane is Back from the Test as Vice Captain. He was back in Form and that was good Sign for Team India in #WorldCup2023

— Amandeep Sharma (@amansharma6723)

June 23, 2023

Removed from vice-captain role in Jan 2022
Dropped from Test team in Feb 2022
Made a comeback in WTC FINAL performed in the Final
Appointed as a vice-captain again #AjinkyaRahane pic.twitter.com/j2D8cyRjJb

— Indian Cricket 🇮🇳🏏 (@Indiancric_) June 23, 2023

You are back with a Bang.
True champion 🏆💪.

— Dr Dhiman Bhattacharya 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 (@DrdhimanBhatta1) June 23, 2023

You deserve it for Vice captain of india 🇮🇳 so proud of you jinx 🫡🫡🫡

— Rajkumar koothapillai💛💛 (@RajkumarCPE1506) June 23, 2023

Are we looking at the next test captain?

— Nazish Ehtesham (@ehtesham_nazish) June 23, 2023