Contradicting their earlier decision, Team India selectors have now appointed Ajinkya Rahane as a captain for the first Test against the visiting New Zealand team which is scheduled to play at Kanpur later this month. Earlier Rohit Sharma’s name was announced as captain.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
A small musical chair game has been played by Team India’s selectors it seems. Just a few days back there was an announcement made by the BCCI that the current Test captain Virat Kohli has been rested for the entire T20I series against New Zealand but he will captain the Indian contingent in the second Test against the visitors. Earlier the selectors have also thrown a surprise by naming Rohit Sharma as captain for the Kanpur Test, scheduled to start from 25th November.
Ajinkya Rahane has been a regular vice-captain of Team India in Tests and in absence of Kohli he was the automatic choice as a captain, but selectors thought otherwise and made Rohit the captain for the Indian Test side for the first Test.
But, now it has been announced that Rohit Sharma has been rested for the entire Test series and Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team at Kanpur. Presumably, either Mayank Aggarwal or Shubhman Gill will partner KL Rahul for the opening slot, and along with Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane Hanuma Vihari will be part of the Indian middle order. Vihari played his last Test against Australia in Sydney where he saved the Test for India despite getting injured in the middle of his fighting innings.
A leading newspaper has also suggested that Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Rishabh Pant, and Shardul Thakur will also miss the Test series against New Zealand. Along with Rohit Sharma, these players are rested to manage their heavy workload.
Indian players are playing continuous cricket since September this year and the fatigue factor came out as the main reason for their dismal show in the first two games of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE.
Ajinkya Rahane’s form is also inconsistent and it remains to be seen how he manages to lead the team for the first Test with his poor form. Virat Kohli will lead the side in the Mumbai Test which will be played from 3rd December.
The T20I series and the Test series against New Zealand will be the first series as a coach for the legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid.
Speak your voice regarding the changes made in Team India and the appointment of a new temporary Test captain, and also tell our readers how you see both the series go in the comments section given below.
eChhapu
