Rahane comeback on cards for final Test at Wanderers
PLAYING FOR PRIDE Vicecaptain spends quality time at team’s first training session since loss at Centurion
later seen with an ice pack strapped to his knees. Since there was no media interaction, the exact extent of his injury couldn’t be ascertained.
Though it has already gone beyond the better-late-thannever phase, Ajinkya Rahane could be all set to the play his first Test in this series. Possessing the best average outside Asia, Rahane was kept out of the XI for the first two Tests as Kohli wanted to go with Rohit Sharma based on his form against a weak Sri Lanka team at home.
Sharma will still play in all probability, not because he has inspired confidence but only because he got a 47 in the last innings at Centurion when the game had already gone beyond India’s reach. Going into Wanderers, Rahane’s inclusion is becoming a necessity if India want to avoid a whitewash on what is going to be the most difficult pitch so far.
The India vice-captain was seen speaking to Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri alone for some time before he returned to an extended session of batting and fielding practice at gully, tell-tale signs that he could make a comeback. Rahane’s patience throughout this turmoil has been noteworthy. His technique would be helpful to get past the difficult phases but Kohli has to think hard on how to accommodate him with Rohit without dropping someone from the top order.
Cheteshwar Pujara hasn’t made things easier for him by being run out twice at Centurion though there could be a possibility he could be retained if India go with a four-man pace attack.
With just two days to go, Kohli will have to weigh all his options before taking a final call.