<p>On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Despite criticism for his captaincy after India's WTC final loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma has retained the top job with Ajinkya Rahane being named his deputy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, it was expected that the axe would fall on senior players after the WTC final loss. And the same has happened. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's No. 3, has been dropped, along with&nbsp;a plethora of young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, etc. being included. Mohammed Shami's name is also missing from the squad. The veteran is expected to have been given rest but the same might not be the case for Pujara, who struggled for runs in the WTC finale (with poor returns of 14 and 27).</p>

<p>Navdeep Saini has been roped in as well along with Jaydev Unadkat retaining his place. Umesh Yadav, meanwhile, didn't find a spot. Mohammed Siraj will be expected to spearhead the pace attack.&nbsp;The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the all-rounder's department.</p>

<p>Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeper-batters in the 16-member squad. The first Test kicks off on July 12 at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, followed by the series decider at the&nbsp;Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.</p>

<p><strong>TEST Squad:</strong>&nbsp;Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin,&nbsp;R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.</p>

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On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12.

On Friday afternoon (June 23), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Despite criticism for his captaincy after India's WTC final loss to Australia, Rohit Sharma has retained the top job with Ajinkya Rahane being named his deputy. Meanwhile, it was expected that the axe would fall on senior players after the WTC final loss. And the same has happened. Cheteshwar Pujara, India's No. 3, has been dropped, along with a plethora of young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, etc. being included. Mohammed Shami's name is also missing from the squad. The veteran is expected to have been given rest but the same might not be the case for Pujara, who struggled for runs in the WTC finale (with poor returns of 14 and 27). Navdeep Saini has been roped in as well along with Jaydev Unadkat retaining his place. Umesh Yadav, meanwhile, didn't find a spot. Mohammed Siraj will be expected to spearhead the pace attack. The likes of Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are part of the all-rounder's department. Both KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeper-batters in the 16-member squad. The first Test kicks off on July 12 at Windsor Park, Roseau, Dominica, followed by the series decider at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad. TEST Squad: Rohit Sharma (Capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Rohit retains captaincy as BCCI names India Test squad for WI tour, Pujara dropped; Jaiswal, Ruturaj included

<p>India lost the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia by a whopping 209-run margin at The Oval, London, earlier&nbsp;this month. Having reached the WTC final for the second time in a row, India once again finished second&nbsp;(they lost&nbsp;to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural cycle in 2021). India will now commence their campaign in the third cycle of the WTC with a two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12.</p>

<p>Prior to the Indian Test squad announcement by the BCCI selectors, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his take on the team composition going forward. Manjrekar feels Indian selectors need to make some big decisions and should include at least three new batters and pacers in the mix, with many senior players looking out of touch, while the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, etc. remain injured.</p>

<h2><strong>'About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket'</strong></h2>

<p>"The game changers for Australia in the WTC final - Steve Smith and Travis Head - don't play a lot of T20 cricket. So we have to find guys who are not going to be fatigued or don't have to make the adjustments from IPL to Test cricket. About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket. And not just runs. The selectors could look at players who have it in them to be future Test players and succeed in foreign conditions. I would like to see at least three new batters come into play in the picture and new fast bowlers," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-it-going-to-hold-up-ricky-ponting-questions-englands-style-of-play-after-edgbaston-thriller-606880">'Is it going to hold up': Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller</a></strong></p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-commentator further opined, "When it comes to batting, they just have to look at first-class performers and not just the amount of runs the player has scored. if you closely observe our domestic cricket then you will find players for No. 3, 4, 5 who has a decent defensive technique, has an appetite for runs and that's your guy, that's the guy to back."</p>

<p>On the pace department, Manjrekar added, "Just a few months back I was taking pride in the depth that we have in our seam-bowling department and suddenly Bumrah is not fit. There are quite fit others like Prasidh Krishna so maybe for Test cricket, India need to create a new line of fast bowlers. Now you should look for specific test players. If somebody gets injured, we should have backups ready. Like Scott Boland. Came in straightaway and made an impact. We had to go back to Umesh Yadav which is not a good sign."</p>

<p>India's tour of West Indies will comprise two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav, etc. retain&nbsp;their spots or are replaced by the young guns. Meanwhile, even Virat Kohli's Test numbers have been below par in recent years whereas Rohit and R Ashwin do not have age and fitness on their side.</p>

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India lost the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia by a whopping 209-run margin at The Oval, London, earlier this month. Having reached the WTC final for the second time in a row, India once again finished second (they lost to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural cycle in 2021).

India lost the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final to Australia by a whopping 209-run margin at The Oval, London, earlier this month. Having reached the WTC final for the second time in a row, India once again finished second (they lost to New Zealand in the summit clash of the inaugural cycle in 2021). India will now commence their campaign in the third cycle of the WTC with a two-match Test series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island, starting on July 12. Prior to the Indian Test squad announcement by the BCCI selectors, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his take on the team composition going forward. Manjrekar feels Indian selectors need to make some big decisions and should include at least three new batters and pacers in the mix, with many senior players looking out of touch, while the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, etc. remain injured. 'About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket' "The game changers for Australia in the WTC final - Steve Smith and Travis Head - don't play a lot of T20 cricket. So we have to find guys who are not going to be fatigued or don't have to make the adjustments from IPL to Test cricket. About time we start rewarding the guys who are doing well in first-class cricket. And not just runs. The selectors could look at players who have it in them to be future Test players and succeed in foreign conditions. I would like to see at least three new batters come into play in the picture and new fast bowlers," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: 'Is it going to hold up': Ricky Ponting questions England's 'style of play' after Edgbaston thriller The cricketer-turned-commentator further opined, "When it comes to batting, they just have to look at first-class performers and not just the amount of runs the player has scored. if you closely observe our domestic cricket then you will find players for No. 3, 4, 5 who has a decent defensive technique, has an appetite for runs and that's your guy, that's the guy to back." On the pace department, Manjrekar added, "Just a few months back I was taking pride in the depth that we have in our seam-bowling department and suddenly Bumrah is not fit. There are quite fit others like Prasidh Krishna so maybe for Test cricket, India need to create a new line of fast bowlers. Now you should look for specific test players. If somebody gets injured, we should have backups ready. Like Scott Boland. Came in straightaway and made an impact. We had to go back to Umesh Yadav which is not a good sign." India's tour of West Indies will comprise two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav, etc. retain their spots or are replaced by the young guns. Meanwhile, even Virat Kohli's Test numbers have been below par in recent years whereas Rohit and R Ashwin do not have age and fitness on their side. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

West Indies tour: Sanjay Manjrekar calls for inclusion of '3 new batters and pacers' in India's Test line-up

<p>Tests specialists Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara will return to playing in division two of the County Championship after India’s upcoming tour of the West Indies. Following the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia in the UK, India will visit the Caribbean Islands for a full tour, starting with the first of the two Tests in Dominica on July 12.</p>

<p>Both Rahane and Pujara were part of the playing XI for the one-off title clash, which Australia won by 209 runs. Pujara fared poorly across both innings, scoring 14 and 27, whereas Rahane, who returned to the Test setup after a considerable gap, was the best batter – piling up 89 and 46 in the match.<br />
<br />
After his successful outing in the one-off Test, head coach Rahul Dravid promised an extended run for Rahane in Tests unless injury-hit middle order players Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer make a comeback.</p>

<p>While Pujara will return playing for Sussex, for whom he played six games before the WTC Final, hitting three hundreds and a fifty from six matches, Rahane will represent Leicestershire. The right-hander signed a deal with Leicestershire in January and was supposed to play eight first-class games and the entire Royal London Cup (50-over tournament) from June to September following IPL 2023.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-returning-moeen-ali-fined-25-match-fee-handed-one-demerit-point-for-applying-spray-on-bowling-hand-605768">Ashes: Returning Moeen Ali fined 25% match fee, handed one demerit point for applying ‘spray’ on bowling hand</a></p>

<p>However, with him getting picked for the WTC Final and also likely to be named for two-match West Indies Tests, Rahane’s Leicestershire stint got delayed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ajinkya, after the two Tests in West Indies (scheduled to end on July 24), is supposed to fly directly to England and join Leicestershire for the remainder of the season," a BCCI source told PTI. "He will play the Royal London Cup in August and a possible four county games in September as he is unlikely to be a part of white-ball scheme of things."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, this will be Rahane’s second stint in the UK as part of their domestic tournament. Earlier, after getting ignored for the 2019 World Cup, the experienced campaigner played for Hampshire that season.</p>

<p>Since the Indian domestic season resumes around September and with no red-ball international series scheduled&nbsp;until the end of the home World Cup, Rahane will have ample time to iron out flaws and get back in reckoning for a sure-spot in the Test side.</p>

<p>Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is the only Indian playing in the County Championships for Kent. He has played one game so far against Surrey, returning with four wickets.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors will announce the squads for the West Indies series on June 27.</p>

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Tests specialists Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara will return to playing in division two of the County Championship after India’s upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Tests specialists Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara will return to playing in division two of the County Championship after India’s upcoming tour of the West Indies. Following the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia in the UK, India will visit the Caribbean Islands for a full tour, starting with the first of the two Tests in Dominica on July 12. Both Rahane and Pujara were part of the playing XI for the one-off title clash, which Australia won by 209 runs. Pujara fared poorly across both innings, scoring 14 and 27, whereas Rahane, who returned to the Test setup after a considerable gap, was the best batter – piling up 89 and 46 in the match. After his successful outing in the one-off Test, head coach Rahul Dravid promised an extended run for Rahane in Tests unless injury-hit middle order players Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer make a comeback. While Pujara will return playing for Sussex, for whom he played six games before the WTC Final, hitting three hundreds and a fifty from six matches, Rahane will represent Leicestershire. The right-hander signed a deal with Leicestershire in January and was supposed to play eight first-class games and the entire Royal London Cup (50-over tournament) from June to September following IPL 2023. ALSO READ: Ashes: Returning Moeen Ali fined 25% match fee, handed one demerit point for applying ‘spray’ on bowling hand However, with him getting picked for the WTC Final and also likely to be named for two-match West Indies Tests, Rahane’s Leicestershire stint got delayed. "Ajinkya, after the two Tests in West Indies (scheduled to end on July 24), is supposed to fly directly to England and join Leicestershire for the remainder of the season," a BCCI source told PTI. "He will play the Royal London Cup in August and a possible four county games in September as he is unlikely to be a part of white-ball scheme of things." Meanwhile, this will be Rahane’s second stint in the UK as part of their domestic tournament. Earlier, after getting ignored for the 2019 World Cup, the experienced campaigner played for Hampshire that season. Since the Indian domestic season resumes around September and with no red-ball international series scheduled until the end of the home World Cup, Rahane will have ample time to iron out flaws and get back in reckoning for a sure-spot in the Test side. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is the only Indian playing in the County Championships for Kent. He has played one game so far against Surrey, returning with four wickets. Meanwhile, the BCCI selectors will announce the squads for the West Indies series on June 27. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara set to return to English County after West Indies tour

<p>India endured a forgettable batting performance on Sunday, getting bowled out for 234 while chasing 444 against Australia in the World Test Championship final. Despite starting the day with seven wickets in hand and requiring 280 runs, India’s batting was blown away before the first session could be completed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland stood out among the bowlers, taking four and three wickets respectively. Australia has now become the only team to clinch four ICC titles. India missed another chance to secure their first ICC trophy since 2013.</p>

<h2>Shubman Gill’s post</h2>

<p>After the match, opening batsman Shubman Gill expressed his feelings on Twitter. He shared a picture of Team India and wrote, "Not finished."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not finished 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/WSGwkkaH6v">pic.twitter.com/WSGwkkaH6v</a></p>
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShubmanGill/status/1667894949961154560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a controversial incident on Day 4, Gill was caught in the slips by Cameron Green off Scott Boland's delivery. However, replays indicated that the ball touched the ground when the fielder made contact. Despite the uncertainty, the third umpire ruled Gill out, causing significant debate and criticism from figures like Virender Sehwag, Ravi Shastri, and fans.</p>

<p>This loss in the World Test Championship final marked India's second consecutive defeat in the event, following their previous loss to New Zealand in the inaugural edition in 2021.</p>

<p>Scott Boland played a pivotal role in triggering a dramatic collapse as Australia secured a resounding 209-run victory over India in the World Test Championship final at The Oval. India, tasked with an unprecedented target of 444 runs, resumed the day at 164-3. However, they faltered and were bowled out for 234, losing seven wickets for just 70 runs within 24 overs before lunch on the fifth day. Boland inflicted initial damage by claiming two wickets in an over, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli, finishing with figures of 3-46 in 16 overs. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon (4-41) then wrapped up the tail.</p>


India endured a forgettable batting performance on Sunday, getting bowled out for 234 while chasing 444 against Australia in the World Test Championship final. Despite starting the day with seven wickets in hand and requiring 280 runs, India’s batting was blown away before the first session could be completed.

India endured a forgettable batting performance on Sunday, getting bowled out for 234 while chasing 444 against Australia in the World Test Championship final. Despite starting the day with seven wickets in hand and requiring 280 runs, India’s batting was blown away before the first session could be completed. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland stood out among the bowlers, taking four and three wickets respectively. Australia has now become the only team to clinch four ICC titles. India missed another chance to secure their first ICC trophy since 2013. Shubman Gill’s post After the match, opening batsman Shubman Gill expressed his feelings on Twitter. He shared a picture of Team India and wrote, "Not finished." Not finished 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WSGwkkaH6v — Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) June 11, 2023 × In a controversial incident on Day 4, Gill was caught in the slips by Cameron Green off Scott Boland's delivery. However, replays indicated that the ball touched the ground when the fielder made contact. Despite the uncertainty, the third umpire ruled Gill out, causing significant debate and criticism from figures like Virender Sehwag, Ravi Shastri, and fans. This loss in the World Test Championship final marked India's second consecutive defeat in the event, following their previous loss to New Zealand in the inaugural edition in 2021. Scott Boland played a pivotal role in triggering a dramatic collapse as Australia secured a resounding 209-run victory over India in the World Test Championship final at The Oval. India, tasked with an unprecedented target of 444 runs, resumed the day at 164-3. However, they faltered and were bowled out for 234, losing seven wickets for just 70 runs within 24 overs before lunch on the fifth day. Boland inflicted initial damage by claiming two wickets in an over, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli, finishing with figures of 3-46 in 16 overs. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon (4-41) then wrapped up the tail.

WTC Final: Shubman Gill’s two-word message after India’s loss to Australia

<p>On Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane made a remarkable comeback. After being dropped from the Sri Lanka Test series in March 2022, Rahane played his first match for India and emerged as the highest scorer for his team in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite concerns about India's performance, Rahane's knock of 89, along with the support of Shardul Thakur, helped the team avoid a follow-on. During his innings, former Australia coach Justin Langer revealed an interesting detail about the role of Steve Waugh in Rahane's calm and composed approach.</p>

<p>Langer shared a conversation he had with Steve Waugh during the Border-Gavaskar Test series in 2021/22. Waugh, the former Australian captain, disclosed that he had been having conversations with Rahane, possibly mentoring him leading up to that series. Langer, who was the head coach of Australia at the time, found this revelation unsettling because it foreshadowed the nightmare he experienced later in the series. Rahane, despite leading an injury-plagued and Kohli-less Indian side, inspired a remarkable comeback with a century in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.</p>

<h2>What Justin Langer said</h2>

<p>Langer recalled, "Before the series started, Steve Waugh, my hero, called me and honestly admitted that he was in contact with Rahane and mentoring him prior to the series. As the iceman, Steve Waugh's calmness was evident in Rahane's performance during that series. When I learned about their conversations, it raised red flags for me."</p>

<p>In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane led the Indian side to a resounding 2-1 victory in the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy . In the Boxing Day Test, Rahane scored a century and emerged as the Player of the Match.</p>

<h2>Ajinkya Rahane in the WTC</h2>

<p>Although Rahane fell short of a well-deserved century on Friday when Pat Cummins dismissed him for 89 off 129 balls, his performance was sensational considering his absence from the team for nearly 18 months and uncertainty about his future. Starting at 71 for 4 in 18.2 overs, Rahane's innings helped revive India, taking them to a total of 296 runs. Australia have a lead of 296 runs ahead of Day 4.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


On Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane made a remarkable comeback. After being dropped from the Sri Lanka Test series in March 2022, Rahane played his first match for India and emerged as the highest scorer for his team in London.

On Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval, Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane made a remarkable comeback. After being dropped from the Sri Lanka Test series in March 2022, Rahane played his first match for India and emerged as the highest scorer for his team in London. Despite concerns about India's performance, Rahane's knock of 89, along with the support of Shardul Thakur, helped the team avoid a follow-on. During his innings, former Australia coach Justin Langer revealed an interesting detail about the role of Steve Waugh in Rahane's calm and composed approach. Langer shared a conversation he had with Steve Waugh during the Border-Gavaskar Test series in 2021/22. Waugh, the former Australian captain, disclosed that he had been having conversations with Rahane, possibly mentoring him leading up to that series. Langer, who was the head coach of Australia at the time, found this revelation unsettling because it foreshadowed the nightmare he experienced later in the series. Rahane, despite leading an injury-plagued and Kohli-less Indian side, inspired a remarkable comeback with a century in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. What Justin Langer said Langer recalled, "Before the series started, Steve Waugh, my hero, called me and honestly admitted that he was in contact with Rahane and mentoring him prior to the series. As the iceman, Steve Waugh's calmness was evident in Rahane's performance during that series. When I learned about their conversations, it raised red flags for me." In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane led the Indian side to a resounding 2-1 victory in the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy . In the Boxing Day Test, Rahane scored a century and emerged as the Player of the Match. Ajinkya Rahane in the WTC Although Rahane fell short of a well-deserved century on Friday when Pat Cummins dismissed him for 89 off 129 balls, his performance was sensational considering his absence from the team for nearly 18 months and uncertainty about his future. Starting at 71 for 4 in 18.2 overs, Rahane's innings helped revive India, taking them to a total of 296 runs. Australia have a lead of 296 runs ahead of Day 4.

WTC Final: Ex-Australia coach on his chat with Steve Waugh about Ajinkya Rahane

<p>With no rain interruption for the fourth straight day at the Oval in London, cricket made headlines during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia. With India currently reeling at 164 for three after stumps on day four, they need another 280 runs to win the match and lift maiden WTC trophy.</p>

<p>The day began with world number one batter Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green taking strides. After a few misses, Umesh Yadav finally picked the big wicket of Marnus, caught at slip on 41. Keeper-batter Alex Carey joined Green in the middle, and the pair started churning out some runs.</p>

<p>Defensive tactics from Rohit Sharma saw Australia making most of the chances as the game looked like drifting away from India with each run scored.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ravindra-jadeja-bowls-cameron-green-after-outfoxing-him-to-leave-ball-watch-602969">WTC Final: Ravindra Jadeja bowls Cameron Green after outfoxing him to leave ball - WATCH</a></p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja broke the partnership by dismissing Green, bowled on 25, only for seamer Mitchell Starc to come and take control of the proceedings.</p>

<p>After taking his time in the middle, Starc and Carey built a partnership, with Carey completing a brave fifty. Starc also contributed with a superb 41, considering the game situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian team then managed to pick a few more wickets as Australia declared 270 for eight, giving India a target of 444.</p>

<p>Realising this number has never been chased in Test history, Indian openers knew they had to play responsibly. Much to everyone’s delight, they did, but that didn’t last for long as Scott Boland removed Gill caught in the slip cordon by Green.</p>

<p>Though replays suggested the ball might have touched the ground, the lack of evidence and removal of the soft signal rule meant the third umpire’s call stayed – which was out.</p>

<p>Rohit, who looked good early on, departed to Nathan Lyon trapped in front. Before Cheteshwar Pujara and star batter Virat Kohli could think about turning things around, a sluggish shot off Pat Cummins resulted in Pujara edging straight to the keeper. India looked in deep trouble.</p>

<p>The vintage pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli saved the sinking ship, as Australia looked clueless in the final hour. Both stood tall as India scored 164 for three, needing another 280 runs to win the Test and create history.</p>

<p>Virat Kohli remains unbeaten on 44, while Rahane on 20 off 59 balls. For Australia, Cummins, Boland and Lyon picked a wicket each.</p>

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With no rain interruption for the fourth straight day at the Oval in London, cricket made headlines during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia.

With no rain interruption for the fourth straight day at the Oval in London, cricket made headlines during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia. With India currently reeling at 164 for three after stumps on day four, they need another 280 runs to win the match and lift maiden WTC trophy. The day began with world number one batter Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green taking strides. After a few misses, Umesh Yadav finally picked the big wicket of Marnus, caught at slip on 41. Keeper-batter Alex Carey joined Green in the middle, and the pair started churning out some runs. Defensive tactics from Rohit Sharma saw Australia making most of the chances as the game looked like drifting away from India with each run scored. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Ravindra Jadeja bowls Cameron Green after outfoxing him to leave ball - WATCH Ravindra Jadeja broke the partnership by dismissing Green, bowled on 25, only for seamer Mitchell Starc to come and take control of the proceedings. After taking his time in the middle, Starc and Carey built a partnership, with Carey completing a brave fifty. Starc also contributed with a superb 41, considering the game situation. Indian team then managed to pick a few more wickets as Australia declared 270 for eight, giving India a target of 444. Realising this number has never been chased in Test history, Indian openers knew they had to play responsibly. Much to everyone’s delight, they did, but that didn’t last for long as Scott Boland removed Gill caught in the slip cordon by Green. Though replays suggested the ball might have touched the ground, the lack of evidence and removal of the soft signal rule meant the third umpire’s call stayed – which was out. Rohit, who looked good early on, departed to Nathan Lyon trapped in front. Before Cheteshwar Pujara and star batter Virat Kohli could think about turning things around, a sluggish shot off Pat Cummins resulted in Pujara edging straight to the keeper. India looked in deep trouble. The vintage pair of Ajinkya Rahane and Kohli saved the sinking ship, as Australia looked clueless in the final hour. Both stood tall as India scored 164 for three, needing another 280 runs to win the Test and create history. Virat Kohli remains unbeaten on 44, while Rahane on 20 off 59 balls. For Australia, Cummins, Boland and Lyon picked a wicket each. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final, Day 4: Kohli, Rahane stand tall as India need 280 runs to lift trophy

<p>Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has hailed the impact of Ajinkya Rahane after returning to the Indian team in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Oval. Rahane missed out on a hundred on Day 3 of the WTC final but helped India avoid the follow-on and thus kept his side in the hunt for glory. His fellow Mumbaikar, Manjrekar has applauded him for the impact after returning but says his sole innings can’t justify his tag as a crisis batter since there are two days and an innings to go in the match.</p>

<h2><strong>Rahane is not a crisis batter</strong></h2>

<p>“I don't think Ajinkya Rahane can be called a batter in crisis. There's another innings to go, the crisis has to be averted in a way that you either draw or win the game. But this innings, solely on the kind of odds... he's done brilliant,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.</p>

<p>“To call him the player in crisis... he has played an odd innings, but the old Ajinkya Rahane would follow it with low scores. Who knows, the new Ajinkya Rahane could be the Test batter 2.0. Maybe, he can carry it in the second innings as well,” added Manjrekar.</p>

<p>Rahane had a pleasant outing in India’s first innings when they were struggling at 71/4 having lost Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rohit Sharma. He along with Ravindra Jadeja put up a 71-run knock for the fifth wicket on Day 2 while on Day 3 he and Shardul Thakur put up a 111-run stand for the seventh wicket which made sure India avoided follow-on in the first innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ricky-ponting-explains-where-india-did-go-wrong-with-their-bowling-plans-in-first-innings-602434">WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings</a></p>

<h2><strong>Rahane misses out on Hundred</strong></h2>

<p>The 35-year-old was scalped in the second session of Day 3 where Cameron Green took a single-handed brilliant catch to send Rahane packing home on 89. In the meantime, he also completed 5000 runs in the Test format and looked in good nick. He bought up his fifty with a six on Day 2, having cleared his ambitions against the Aussie attack.</p>

<p>Rahane will now have a big role to play as India are expected to chase a big total in the final two days of the Test match. If he does end up winning the match for India, they will become the first nation to win all the International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies.</p>

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Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has hailed the impact of Ajinkya Rahane after returning to the Indian team in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Oval.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has hailed the impact of Ajinkya Rahane after returning to the Indian team in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Oval. Rahane missed out on a hundred on Day 3 of the WTC final but helped India avoid the follow-on and thus kept his side in the hunt for glory. His fellow Mumbaikar, Manjrekar has applauded him for the impact after returning but says his sole innings can’t justify his tag as a crisis batter since there are two days and an innings to go in the match. Rahane is not a crisis batter “I don't think Ajinkya Rahane can be called a batter in crisis. There's another innings to go, the crisis has to be averted in a way that you either draw or win the game. But this innings, solely on the kind of odds... he's done brilliant,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo. “To call him the player in crisis... he has played an odd innings, but the old Ajinkya Rahane would follow it with low scores. Who knows, the new Ajinkya Rahane could be the Test batter 2.0. Maybe, he can carry it in the second innings as well,” added Manjrekar. Rahane had a pleasant outing in India’s first innings when they were struggling at 71/4 having lost Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rohit Sharma. He along with Ravindra Jadeja put up a 71-run knock for the fifth wicket on Day 2 while on Day 3 he and Shardul Thakur put up a 111-run stand for the seventh wicket which made sure India avoided follow-on in the first innings. ALSO READ | WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings Rahane misses out on Hundred The 35-year-old was scalped in the second session of Day 3 where Cameron Green took a single-handed brilliant catch to send Rahane packing home on 89. In the meantime, he also completed 5000 runs in the Test format and looked in good nick. He bought up his fifty with a six on Day 2, having cleared his ambitions against the Aussie attack. Rahane will now have a big role to play as India are expected to chase a big total in the final two days of the Test match. If he does end up winning the match for India, they will become the first nation to win all the International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Former India batter hails Ajinkya Rahane's impact but says, 'there's another innings to go'

<p>Australia have asserted dominance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final as they lead by 296 runs at the Stumps on Day 3. A mixed day for India in terms of bat and ball, the Indians will look to restrict the Aussies to a low-scoring total in the second innings having ended at 123/4 on Day 3. India on the other hand, thanks to a well-made 89 from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur’s 51-run knock avoided follow-on before getting bowled out for 296 in their first innings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Australia are piling on a sizeable lead at The Oval to take a hold in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> Final 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/UspU0fDETC">pic.twitter.com/UspU0fDETC</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1667216371804164097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India still in the contest</strong></h2>

<p>After starting the day at 151/5, the Indian team did not have the best start after they lost Srikar Bharat on 5 runs on the second ball of the day. However, then it was the Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur sow as they both stitched a partnership of 111 runs for the seventh wicket. Rahane departed soon after the start of the second session and scored 89 runs and bought his 26th Test fifty while he missed out on the hundred.</p>

<p>Shradul Thakur then took control of the Indian innings but did not get the required help at the other end. Shardul too bought his third consecutive fifty at the Oval, going level with Don Bradman and Steve Waugh in doing so. He was dismissed for 51 while India were bowled out for 296 runs. The partnership between the pair of Shardul and Rahane helped India avoid the follow-on and trailed by 173 runs in the first innings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ricky-ponting-explains-where-india-did-go-wrong-with-their-bowling-plans-in-first-innings-602434">WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings</a></p>

<h2><strong>Jadeja strikes with ball</strong></h2>

<p>Out to bat in the second innings, the Aussies did not have the best start and lost David Warner (1) in the fourth over as Mohammed Siraj was at full throttle. On the flip side, Umesh Yadav also struck to dismiss Usman Khawaja on 13 to put the Aussies on the back foot. However, the partnership between Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne would see Australia close to the 100-run mark. Smith was dismissed on 34 at 86/3 by Ravindra Jadeja. He was soon back in action and scalped Travis Head for 18.</p>

<p>The Aussies would then end the day at 123/4 and are leading by 296 runs which could give India a big headache if they extend the lead by 400 runs or more on Day 4.</p>

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Australia have asserted dominance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final as they lead by 296 runs at the Stumps on Day 3. A mixed day for India in terms of bat and ball, the Indians will look to restrict the Aussies to a low-scoring total in the second innings having ended at 123/4 on Day 3.

Australia have asserted dominance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final as they lead by 296 runs at the Stumps on Day 3. A mixed day for India in terms of bat and ball, the Indians will look to restrict the Aussies to a low-scoring total in the second innings having ended at 123/4 on Day 3. India on the other hand, thanks to a well-made 89 from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur’s 51-run knock avoided follow-on before getting bowled out for 296 in their first innings. Australia are piling on a sizeable lead at The Oval to take a hold in the #WTC23 Final 💪#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/UspU0fDETC — ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2023 × India still in the contest After starting the day at 151/5, the Indian team did not have the best start after they lost Srikar Bharat on 5 runs on the second ball of the day. However, then it was the Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur sow as they both stitched a partnership of 111 runs for the seventh wicket. Rahane departed soon after the start of the second session and scored 89 runs and bought his 26th Test fifty while he missed out on the hundred. Shradul Thakur then took control of the Indian innings but did not get the required help at the other end. Shardul too bought his third consecutive fifty at the Oval, going level with Don Bradman and Steve Waugh in doing so. He was dismissed for 51 while India were bowled out for 296 runs. The partnership between the pair of Shardul and Rahane helped India avoid the follow-on and trailed by 173 runs in the first innings. ALSO READ | WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings Jadeja strikes with ball Out to bat in the second innings, the Aussies did not have the best start and lost David Warner (1) in the fourth over as Mohammed Siraj was at full throttle. On the flip side, Umesh Yadav also struck to dismiss Usman Khawaja on 13 to put the Aussies on the back foot. However, the partnership between Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne would see Australia close to the 100-run mark. Smith was dismissed on 34 at 86/3 by Ravindra Jadeja. He was soon back in action and scalped Travis Head for 18. The Aussies would then end the day at 123/4 and are leading by 296 runs which could give India a big headache if they extend the lead by 400 runs or more on Day 4. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Aussies take command at Oval despite Rahane's brilliance, lead by 296 runs in second innings

<p>Ajinkya Rahane has provided some relief for the Indian contingent in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia on Friday, June 9 after he scored his 26th fifty. The former India vice-captain is a lone warrior for the Indian team in the contest after Ravindra Jadeja (48) despite the Aussies dominating with both bat and ball. This came after KS Bharat was scalped on the second ball of the day to put the Indian side on the back foot.</p>

<p>Rahane also completed 5,000 runs in the Test format and joins an elite list consisting of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and others.</p>

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<h2><strong>Rahane brings up fifty</strong></h2>

<p>While the struggles continued at one end, Ajinkya Rahane, returning to the Indian fold after more than one year, was in top form. On the final ball of the 46th over, Rahane pulled away a terrific shot over the fine leg to bring up his fifty and give some relief to the Indian team. His innings consisted of eight fours and a six at the time of writing and was batting an unbeaten 89. He was supported by fellow Mumbaikar Shardul Thakur who was batting on 36.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-ricky-ponting-explains-where-india-did-go-wrong-with-their-bowling-plans-in-first-innings-602434">WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings</a></p>

<h2><strong>India's collapse with the bat</strong></h2>

<p>This came after India made a poor start to their innings on Day 2 of the WTC final, after bowling out Australia, the Indian team needed a good start to stay in the hunt, but things did not go according to plan for Rohit Sharma’s team. India lost the skipper on 15 on the final ball of the sixth over. Soon India lost Shubman Gill as he missed judged the flight of the delivery and was scalped by Scott Boland on 13 in the very next over. At tea on Day 2, India were 37/2 with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle and trying to steer the team to a safe position.</p>

<p>However, in the post-lunch session, India lost both Pujara (14) and Kohli (14) as the situation went from bad to worse at 71/4.</p>

<p>With wickets following at regular intervals, batters Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja (48) steered India to the 100-run mark. Jadeja was aggressive of the two and scored 48 off just 51 deliveries, while Rahane held one end for the Indian side. Jadeja’s innings consisted of a six and seven fours. Both Rahane and Jadeja put in a 71-run stand for the fifth wicket before Nathan Lyon got the better of him.</p>

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Ajinkya Rahane has provided some relief for the Indian contingent in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia on Friday, June 9 after he scored his 26th fifty.

Ajinkya Rahane has provided some relief for the Indian contingent in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia on Friday, June 9 after he scored his 26th fifty. The former India vice-captain is a lone warrior for the Indian team in the contest after Ravindra Jadeja (48) despite the Aussies dominating with both bat and ball. This came after KS Bharat was scalped on the second ball of the day to put the Indian side on the back foot. Rahane also completed 5,000 runs in the Test format and joins an elite list consisting of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and others. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) Rahane brings up fifty While the struggles continued at one end, Ajinkya Rahane, returning to the Indian fold after more than one year, was in top form. On the final ball of the 46th over, Rahane pulled away a terrific shot over the fine leg to bring up his fifty and give some relief to the Indian team. His innings consisted of eight fours and a six at the time of writing and was batting an unbeaten 89. He was supported by fellow Mumbaikar Shardul Thakur who was batting on 36. ALSO READ | WTC Final: Ricky Ponting explains where India went wrong with their bowling plan in first innings India's collapse with the bat This came after India made a poor start to their innings on Day 2 of the WTC final, after bowling out Australia, the Indian team needed a good start to stay in the hunt, but things did not go according to plan for Rohit Sharma’s team. India lost the skipper on 15 on the final ball of the sixth over. Soon India lost Shubman Gill as he missed judged the flight of the delivery and was scalped by Scott Boland on 13 in the very next over. At tea on Day 2, India were 37/2 with Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle and trying to steer the team to a safe position. However, in the post-lunch session, India lost both Pujara (14) and Kohli (14) as the situation went from bad to worse at 71/4. With wickets following at regular intervals, batters Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja (48) steered India to the 100-run mark. Jadeja was aggressive of the two and scored 48 off just 51 deliveries, while Rahane held one end for the Indian side. Jadeja’s innings consisted of a six and seven fours. Both Rahane and Jadeja put in a 71-run stand for the fifth wicket before Nathan Lyon got the better of him. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Ajinkya Rahane reaches fifty with SIX after poor start on Day 3; completes 5,000 Test Runs | WATCH

<p>The recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 turned out to be a sensational affair for Ajinkya Rahane who batted like a man possessed in the league and his performance, in part, helped him get his place back in the Indian Test side.</p>

<p>Rahane's first assignment in white, shall he makes it to the playing XI, after his exploits in IPL will be the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia in England from June 7.</p>

<p>The batsman, however, seems confident ahead of his possible comeback in what would be the biggest stage to perform. Speaking to BCCI.TV before the final at India's training session Rahane looked in good spirits and said he just wants to start afresh.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-lot-of-people-forgot-aussie-skipper-pat-cummins-makes-cheeky-remark-ahead-of-title-clash-600023">WTC Final: 'Lot of people forgot...:' Aussie skipper Pat Cummins makes cheeky remark ahead of title clash</a></p>

<p>“Coming back after 18-19 months, whatever has happened, good or bad, I don’t want to think about my past. I just want to start afresh and keep doing whatever I have been doing,” said Rahane.</p>

<p>He also spoke on his performance in the IPL and India's domestic season prior to that and revealed that this has been an emotional comeback for him.</p>

<p>“Personally enjoyed playing for CSK as I have been batting well throughout the season, even before IPL. I had a very good domestic season and I felt good. So this comeback was a bit emotional for me,” said the India batter.</p>

<p>“It was (an) emotional moment for me. When I got dropped, the support I got from my family was massive and dream was to play for India and that was massive. Playing for India matters a lot for me and I worked hard on my fitness and went back to domestic cricket.</p>

<p>“I want to bat with the same mindset and show same intent that I showed before coming here in IPL and Ranji Trophy. I would not like to think about format whether it is T20 or Tests. The way I am batting now, I don’t want to complicate things and the more I keep it simple, better it is for me,” he further added.</p>

<p>Rahane would also be looking to achieve the 5K Test-run milestone as he currently stands 69 runs short at 4,931 runs in 82 Tests at an average of 38.52.</p>

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The recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 turned out to be a sensational affair for Ajinkya Rahane who batted like a man possessed in the league and his performance, in part, helped him get his place back in the Indian Test side.

The recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 turned out to be a sensational affair for Ajinkya Rahane who batted like a man possessed in the league and his performance, in part, helped him get his place back in the Indian Test side. Rahane's first assignment in white, shall he makes it to the playing XI, after his exploits in IPL will be the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia in England from June 7. The batsman, however, seems confident ahead of his possible comeback in what would be the biggest stage to perform. Speaking to BCCI.TV before the final at India's training session Rahane looked in good spirits and said he just wants to start afresh. Also Read: WTC Final: 'Lot of people forgot...:' Aussie skipper Pat Cummins makes cheeky remark ahead of title clash “Coming back after 18-19 months, whatever has happened, good or bad, I don’t want to think about my past. I just want to start afresh and keep doing whatever I have been doing,” said Rahane. He also spoke on his performance in the IPL and India's domestic season prior to that and revealed that this has been an emotional comeback for him. “Personally enjoyed playing for CSK as I have been batting well throughout the season, even before IPL. I had a very good domestic season and I felt good. So this comeback was a bit emotional for me,” said the India batter. “It was (an) emotional moment for me. When I got dropped, the support I got from my family was massive and dream was to play for India and that was massive. Playing for India matters a lot for me and I worked hard on my fitness and went back to domestic cricket. “I want to bat with the same mindset and show same intent that I showed before coming here in IPL and Ranji Trophy. I would not like to think about format whether it is T20 or Tests. The way I am batting now, I don’t want to complicate things and the more I keep it simple, better it is for me,” he further added. Rahane would also be looking to achieve the 5K Test-run milestone as he currently stands 69 runs short at 4,931 runs in 82 Tests at an average of 38.52. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Ajinkya Rahane recounts EMOTIONAL moment of Test comeback

<p>MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings are making all the right noises. The side defeated Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans to win the IPL trophy for the fifth time. Ravindra Jadeja’s last-over heroics made our hearts perform a backflip. Now, in a video released by the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, the victorious duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja could be witnessed leading exuberant celebrations inside the CSK team bus. Rahane and Jadeja, both pivotal contributors to CSK's triumphant campaign in the IPL 2023, revelled in the team's glorious achievement.</p>

<p>The video, which has gained viral status among ardent fans, showcases Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja jubilantly celebrating Chennai Super Kings' fifth title triumph by forming the symbolic 'five' with their hands. Joining them in the jubilant spectacle were CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, as well as the talented duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. This video has become a must-see for fans far and wide.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">📹 57 seconds of 🥹💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMPION5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMPION5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 💛 <a href="https://t.co/ZkyLFJeQPr">pic.twitter.com/ZkyLFJeQPr</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1663598862257524742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Having tasted glory under the astute leadership of MS Dhoni, both Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja are now set to join the Indian cricket team in England for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final against Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the show for Chennai Super Kings in the final as he smashed 10 runs off the last two balls to give CSK their 5th title. Rahane too found his mojo at the number three position and played a number of cameos for the side all season. Such was his form that he was included in India’s squad for the WTC final.</p>

<p>Other members of the Indian team are currently training at the Arundel Castle Cricket Club. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and others have already started training ahead of the WTC final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s squad for the WTC final: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadakt, Umesh Yadav; Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav</p>


MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings are making all the right noises. The side defeated Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans to win the IPL trophy for the fifth time. Ravindra Jadeja’s last-over heroics made our hearts perform a backflip.

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings are making all the right noises. The side defeated Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans to win the IPL trophy for the fifth time. Ravindra Jadeja’s last-over heroics made our hearts perform a backflip. Now, in a video released by the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday, the victorious duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja could be witnessed leading exuberant celebrations inside the CSK team bus. Rahane and Jadeja, both pivotal contributors to CSK's triumphant campaign in the IPL 2023, revelled in the team's glorious achievement. The video, which has gained viral status among ardent fans, showcases Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja jubilantly celebrating Chennai Super Kings' fifth title triumph by forming the symbolic 'five' with their hands. Joining them in the jubilant spectacle were CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, as well as the talented duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. This video has become a must-see for fans far and wide. 📹 57 seconds of 🥹💛#CHAMPION5 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛 pic.twitter.com/ZkyLFJeQPr — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 30, 2023 × Having tasted glory under the astute leadership of MS Dhoni, both Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja are now set to join the Indian cricket team in England for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final against Australia. Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the show for Chennai Super Kings in the final as he smashed 10 runs off the last two balls to give CSK their 5th title. Rahane too found his mojo at the number three position and played a number of cameos for the side all season. Such was his form that he was included in India’s squad for the WTC final. Other members of the Indian team are currently training at the Arundel Castle Cricket Club. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and others have already started training ahead of the WTC final. India’s squad for the WTC final: Rohit Sharma (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadakt, Umesh Yadav; Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav

Watch: Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane’s wild celebration inside team bus

<p>With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 fanfare being over, India now move on to the next task in hand, which happens to be the World Test Championship (WTC) Final from June 7 against Australia in England. The Indian players who are part of the WTC squad and played in the IPL would now have to switch back to Test cricket from T20 in a jiffy as there's not much time left.</p>

<p>Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also thinks the same and said in an interaction with the sports broadcaster Star Sport that switching back to Test mode would be the biggest challenge for the Indian players.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-soon-to-get-back-to-playing-phase-of-rehab-report-598562">Rishabh Pant soon to get back to playing phase of rehab: Report</a></p>

<p>"The biggest test will be the fact that just about everybody will be coming out a T20 format, and Test cricket is a longer format. So, I think that's going to be the big challenge. They have only Cheteshwar Pujara who has been playing in the English County Championship, so he will be the only guy who has played in the longer format in these conditions, so that's going to be the big challenge for them," remarked Gavaskar.</p>

<p>The former India cricketer also backed middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane to come good in English conditions. Notably, Rahane was included in the WTC squad partly on the back of his spectacular form in the recently-concluded IPL for eventual winner Chennai Super Kings.</p>

<p>"He's got a lot of experience playing in England, having scored run in England. So, yes, I think he's going to be crucial down at number 5. And yes, I do believe has a point to prove, I still feel he's got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him. I'm hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity and with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team," Gavaskar said.</p>

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With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 fanfare being over, India now move on to the next task in hand, which happens to be the World Test Championship (WTC) Final from June 7 against Australia in England.

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 fanfare being over, India now move on to the next task in hand, which happens to be the World Test Championship (WTC) Final from June 7 against Australia in England. The Indian players who are part of the WTC squad and played in the IPL would now have to switch back to Test cricket from T20 in a jiffy as there's not much time left. Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also thinks the same and said in an interaction with the sports broadcaster Star Sport that switching back to Test mode would be the biggest challenge for the Indian players. Also Read: Rishabh Pant soon to get back to playing phase of rehab: Report "The biggest test will be the fact that just about everybody will be coming out a T20 format, and Test cricket is a longer format. So, I think that's going to be the big challenge. They have only Cheteshwar Pujara who has been playing in the English County Championship, so he will be the only guy who has played in the longer format in these conditions, so that's going to be the big challenge for them," remarked Gavaskar. The former India cricketer also backed middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane to come good in English conditions. Notably, Rahane was included in the WTC squad partly on the back of his spectacular form in the recently-concluded IPL for eventual winner Chennai Super Kings. "He's got a lot of experience playing in England, having scored run in England. So, yes, I think he's going to be crucial down at number 5. And yes, I do believe has a point to prove, I still feel he's got plenty of cricket left in him, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him. I'm hoping he will be able to grab this opportunity and with all the experience that he has and make a place for him back in the Indian team," Gavaskar said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final: Sunil Gavaskar backs this EXPERIENCED India batsman to come good in England

<p>The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their fifth IPL title after an emphatic five-wicket win in the IPL 2023 final versus defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the wee hours of Tuesday (May 30) in Ahmedabad. In a rain-marred summit clash, CSK needed 171 for a win in 15 overs after rain made its presence felt at the start of their 215-run chase. With ten needed off the last two deliveries, Ravindra Jadeja ended proceedings in style with a six and a four as Dhoni &amp; Co. equalled Mumbai Indians (MI) with the most titles in the cash-rich league.</p>

<p>Talking about CSK's memorable run, several players stood tall in their fifth title win. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway led from the front with the bat -- with over 500 runs each -- whereas Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube's revival was a surprise for many. Ravindra Jadeja, Dhoni's hitting and keeping skills along with sharpy captaincy, Maheesh Theekshana,&nbsp;Matheesha Pathirana's rise, etc. played a big role. Rahane, playing his first-ever season for the Yellow Army,&nbsp;&nbsp;was at his sublime best as the 34-year-old ended&nbsp;with&nbsp;326 at a strike rate of&nbsp;172.48 with two half-centuries in 14 games.</p>

<p>Rahane upped the ante in the powerplays and middle overs and his fresh approach stunned many. The ease with which he cleared the boundaries was pleasing to the eye. CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming revealed how the former India Test vice-captain was so impressive,&nbsp;with his free-flowing approach impressing many.</p>

<h2><strong>'He wasn't in our initial thoughts but the game versus MI...'</strong></h2>

<p>"My understanding is that we got rid of the tag of being the guy you bat around or bat through. I think that maybe hung over his (Rahane's) head a little bit too much and didn’t allow him to be the player that he can be. And once that tag was gone, when I turned up halfway through the pre-season training, I saw a guy who was in magnificent form," Fleming told PTI after IPL 2023's conclusion.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-can-match-ms-dhonis-legacy-in-ipl-ravi-shastri-lauds-csk-skipper-after-yellow-army-win-5th-title-598344">'No one can match MS Dhoni's legacy in IPL': Ravi Shastri lauds CSK skipper after Yellow Army win 5th title</a></strong></p>

<p>"He wasn't in our initial thoughts, but the game in Mumbai was really defining. It was one of our best wins in the tournament and he was the big catalyst behind it, so he cemented that No.3 spot. He has been unwavering the whole way through he's been nothing but positive, his nets have been positive," Fleming signed off.</p>


The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their fifth IPL title after an emphatic five-wicket win in the IPL 2023 final versus defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the wee hours of Tuesday (May 30) in Ahmedabad.

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their fifth IPL title after an emphatic five-wicket win in the IPL 2023 final versus defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in the wee hours of Tuesday (May 30) in Ahmedabad. In a rain-marred summit clash, CSK needed 171 for a win in 15 overs after rain made its presence felt at the start of their 215-run chase. With ten needed off the last two deliveries, Ravindra Jadeja ended proceedings in style with a six and a four as Dhoni & Co. equalled Mumbai Indians (MI) with the most titles in the cash-rich league. Talking about CSK's memorable run, several players stood tall in their fifth title win. The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway led from the front with the bat -- with over 500 runs each -- whereas Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube's revival was a surprise for many. Ravindra Jadeja, Dhoni's hitting and keeping skills along with sharpy captaincy, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana's rise, etc. played a big role. Rahane, playing his first-ever season for the Yellow Army, was at his sublime best as the 34-year-old ended with 326 at a strike rate of 172.48 with two half-centuries in 14 games. Rahane upped the ante in the powerplays and middle overs and his fresh approach stunned many. The ease with which he cleared the boundaries was pleasing to the eye. CSK's head coach Stephen Fleming revealed how the former India Test vice-captain was so impressive, with his free-flowing approach impressing many. 'He wasn't in our initial thoughts but the game versus MI...' "My understanding is that we got rid of the tag of being the guy you bat around or bat through. I think that maybe hung over his (Rahane's) head a little bit too much and didn’t allow him to be the player that he can be. And once that tag was gone, when I turned up halfway through the pre-season training, I saw a guy who was in magnificent form," Fleming told PTI after IPL 2023's conclusion. Also Read: 'No one can match MS Dhoni's legacy in IPL': Ravi Shastri lauds CSK skipper after Yellow Army win 5th title "He wasn't in our initial thoughts, but the game in Mumbai was really defining. It was one of our best wins in the tournament and he was the big catalyst behind it, so he cemented that No.3 spot. He has been unwavering the whole way through he's been nothing but positive, his nets have been positive," Fleming signed off.

'We got rid of...': CSK coach Stephen Fleming on Ajinkya Rahane's magnificent run in IPL 2023

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<p>With each passing day, the excitement around the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia is rising. While fans, commentators, and everyone else have their predicted XIs ready for the one-off Test, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also shared his take on an important selection call for India – who&nbsp;should they go ahead with, Ravi Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja?</p>

<p>Given the match is taking place at the Oval in London, the venue that traditionally supports batters and assists spinners at some point later in the game, India might opt to go ahead with both spin-bowling all-rounders. With two seamers, Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav&nbsp;yet to attain full fitness, India might contemplate playing Shardul Thakur as the third seamer.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/x-factor-ishan-kishan-can-put-australia-under-pressure-in-wtc-final-says-ricky-ponting-597927">'X-factor' Ishan Kishan can put Australia under pressure in WTC Final, says Ricky Ponting</a></p>

<p>As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Ponting said Jadeja - the batter, has improved a lot over the years and can take up the number six spot, while Ashwin, as labelled by him as the more skilled bowler, will start in the XI too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin because Jadeja can hold that No. 6 batting spot," Ponting said while picking whom the two shall be named in the XI.</p>

<p>"His batting has improved that much that they can pick him as a batter now that might just bowl a few overs if required. There is no doubt that Ashwin is a more skilled and better Test bowler than Jadeja is, but if Jadeja can hold down that batting spot and then as the game goes on, getting into the fourth and fifth day if it does start to turn, then you have got that really high-class second spin bowling option if required,” Punter added.</p>

<h2>Rahane better suited to Test format – Ponting</h2>

<p>Following a stellar start to IPL 2023 for Chennai Super Kings, Test veteran Ajinkya Rahane got recalled to the side for the WTC Final. Shedding some thoughts on his return after nearly two years, Ponting said this format suits Rahane's style more, and since he is coming with some confidence on his back, the right-hand batter will play a crucial role in helping India end the ICC trophy drought.</p>

<p>"Jinks (Rahane) has had an incredible IPL as well. It's funny, isn't it, how IPL runs can now get you picked back into a Test match squad. Jinks has been on the outer for the last couple of years in Test cricket, but everyone saw how confident he looked and how well he played in the IPL, and that was enough to get him back in,” Ponting further said.</p>

<p>Ricky&nbsp;added saying,&nbsp;"He has been there and done it before in Test cricket. It was probably a bigger hurdle for him to climb to get back into playing really good T20 cricket than it is for him to go back and play good Test cricket. His make-up is much more suited to the Test game than it is to T20 cricket. He has rediscovered some confidence, and if he does get picked, I won't be surprised to see him get runs in that Test match.</p>

<p>"He has always been a really high-quality player, and we saw him even with his leadership qualities here in Australia, in that last series to turn things around," the former Aussie captain said.</p>

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With each passing day, the excitement around the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia is rising. While fans, commentators, and everyone else have their predicted XIs ready for the one-off Test, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also shared his take on an important selection call for India – who should they go ahead with, Ravi Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja?

With each passing day, the excitement around the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia is rising. While fans, commentators, and everyone else have their predicted XIs ready for the one-off Test, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also shared his take on an important selection call for India – who should they go ahead with, Ravi Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja? Given the match is taking place at the Oval in London, the venue that traditionally supports batters and assists spinners at some point later in the game, India might opt to go ahead with both spin-bowling all-rounders. With two seamers, Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav yet to attain full fitness, India might contemplate playing Shardul Thakur as the third seamer. ALSO READ: 'X-factor' Ishan Kishan can put Australia under pressure in WTC Final, says Ricky Ponting As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, Ponting said Jadeja - the batter, has improved a lot over the years and can take up the number six spot, while Ashwin, as labelled by him as the more skilled bowler, will start in the XI too. "I think they will pick Jadeja and Ashwin because Jadeja can hold that No. 6 batting spot," Ponting said while picking whom the two shall be named in the XI. "His batting has improved that much that they can pick him as a batter now that might just bowl a few overs if required. There is no doubt that Ashwin is a more skilled and better Test bowler than Jadeja is, but if Jadeja can hold down that batting spot and then as the game goes on, getting into the fourth and fifth day if it does start to turn, then you have got that really high-class second spin bowling option if required,” Punter added. Rahane better suited to Test format – Ponting Following a stellar start to IPL 2023 for Chennai Super Kings, Test veteran Ajinkya Rahane got recalled to the side for the WTC Final. Shedding some thoughts on his return after nearly two years, Ponting said this format suits Rahane's style more, and since he is coming with some confidence on his back, the right-hand batter will play a crucial role in helping India end the ICC trophy drought. "Jinks (Rahane) has had an incredible IPL as well. It's funny, isn't it, how IPL runs can now get you picked back into a Test match squad. Jinks has been on the outer for the last couple of years in Test cricket, but everyone saw how confident he looked and how well he played in the IPL, and that was enough to get him back in,” Ponting further said. Ricky added saying, "He has been there and done it before in Test cricket. It was probably a bigger hurdle for him to climb to get back into playing really good T20 cricket than it is for him to go back and play good Test cricket. His make-up is much more suited to the Test game than it is to T20 cricket. He has rediscovered some confidence, and if he does get picked, I won't be surprised to see him get runs in that Test match. "He has always been a really high-quality player, and we saw him even with his leadership qualities here in Australia, in that last series to turn things around," the former Aussie captain said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final: Should India play both Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja? Ex-Aussie captain shares his take

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<p>Who knows about a comeback better than Dinesh Karthik? Having returned to the white-ball setup twice following a dismal run on the international stage, Karthik has vouched for Ajinkya Rahane – who, after getting dropped from the Test side in 2021, has been picked up for the World Test Championship Final, starting June 7th at the Oval in London.</p>

<p>Following a path-breaking season with Chennai Super Kings, where Rahane – who was bought for just INR 50 lakhs, turned heads with his stellar performances earlier in the tournament. Be it for his fastest fifty of IPL 2023 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede or his 28-ball 70 against Kolkata Knight Riders in an away clash, Rahane proved he still has the Midas touch.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-australia-announce-15-man-squad-for-india-clash-hazlewood-picked-marsh-renshaw-in-reserves-597598">WTC Final: Australia announce 15-man squad for India clash, Hazlewood picked, Marsh, Renshaw in reserves</a></p>

<p>Rahane's impressive run at the number three spot for CSK did wonders for him and the franchise - who, for the 10th time in IPL history, reached the finale where they will take on defending champions Gujarat Titans on Monday, May 29th – a reserve day in Ahmedabad, after the game washed out on Sunday.</p>

<p>It was after those match-winning performances only when Rahane got a surprised call-up to the Test side for the WTC Final against India. With regular middle-order players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer out injured, this chance came as a blessing in disguise for Rahane, who cannot wait to continue doing what he does best – which is batting with the flare in the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The world is ready for Rahane 2.0</h2>

<p>Speaking with ICC, Karthik said Rahane has his mojo back and looks in good rhythm, and considering his history in SENA countries, he can deliver for the team.</p>

<p>"I think he has got his mojo back. He is in good rhythm, he is in good confidence, and he is always known to do well outside India. It is going to be a very important six to eight months for his career in Test cricket,” Dinesh Karthik told ICC.</p>

<p>"He has done so well for CSK when he came back. The way that he has batted, the intent that he has shown, he has shown that he is in a good mind space and that is something that is very important for the batter," the keeper-batter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While most of the Indian players have already reached the UK, others&nbsp;will leave for London after the IPL 2023 final.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is India’s squad for the WTC Final 2023 –</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk)</p>

<p>Standbys: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav</p>

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Who knows about a comeback better than Dinesh Karthik? Having returned to the white-ball setup twice following a dismal run on the international stage, Karthik has vouched for Ajinkya Rahane – who, after getting dropped from the Test side in 2021, has been picked up for the World Test Championship Final, starting June 7th at the Oval in London.

Who knows about a comeback better than Dinesh Karthik? Having returned to the white-ball setup twice following a dismal run on the international stage, Karthik has vouched for Ajinkya Rahane – who, after getting dropped from the Test side in 2021, has been picked up for the World Test Championship Final, starting June 7th at the Oval in London. Following a path-breaking season with Chennai Super Kings, where Rahane – who was bought for just INR 50 lakhs, turned heads with his stellar performances earlier in the tournament. Be it for his fastest fifty of IPL 2023 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede or his 28-ball 70 against Kolkata Knight Riders in an away clash, Rahane proved he still has the Midas touch. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Australia announce 15-man squad for India clash, Hazlewood picked, Marsh, Renshaw in reserves Rahane's impressive run at the number three spot for CSK did wonders for him and the franchise - who, for the 10th time in IPL history, reached the finale where they will take on defending champions Gujarat Titans on Monday, May 29th – a reserve day in Ahmedabad, after the game washed out on Sunday. It was after those match-winning performances only when Rahane got a surprised call-up to the Test side for the WTC Final against India. With regular middle-order players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer out injured, this chance came as a blessing in disguise for Rahane, who cannot wait to continue doing what he does best – which is batting with the flare in the UK. The world is ready for Rahane 2.0 Speaking with ICC, Karthik said Rahane has his mojo back and looks in good rhythm, and considering his history in SENA countries, he can deliver for the team. "I think he has got his mojo back. He is in good rhythm, he is in good confidence, and he is always known to do well outside India. It is going to be a very important six to eight months for his career in Test cricket,” Dinesh Karthik told ICC. "He has done so well for CSK when he came back. The way that he has batted, the intent that he has shown, he has shown that he is in a good mind space and that is something that is very important for the batter," the keeper-batter added. While most of the Indian players have already reached the UK, others will leave for London after the IPL 2023 final. Here is India’s squad for the WTC Final 2023 – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk) Standbys: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final: Karthik backs Rahane to turn heads against Australia, claims coming 8-9 months are crucial for him

<p>Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the selection of Ajinkya Rahane in India’s potential Playing XI in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) where they will take on Australia. Rahane, who last played for India in January 2022, was named in India’s squad for the showpiece final which takes place at the iconic Oval stadium from June 7. India will play in their second consecutive ICC WTC final, having ended on the losing side against New Zealand in 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>Shastri backs Rahane</strong></h2>

<p>“The way he's timed the ball, the way he's looking at T20 from a different perspective. He's not looking at the number of runs, he's looking at the number of balls he's playing against that. What is the strike rate with those numbers of balls he's played, which is good and which augurs well,” Shastri told on the ICC Review.</p>

<p>“It just goes to show (what happens) when you go through the grind; you go back to domestic cricket. He's earned his place in that World Test Championship side,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Can India complete ICC Grand Slam?</strong></h2>

<p>As things stand, both India and Australia have the opportunity to complete a Grand Slam of Australian titles, having won the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma’s men will arrive in slots in England with the final stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in full swing. If India do win the WTC final, they will add to their trophy cabinet which already consists of the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2007 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy (2000 and 2013).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-that-an-excuse-for-4-0-mitchell-starc-hits-back-at-stuart-broads-bio-bubble-remark-on-ashes-2021-595925">&nbsp;'Is that an excuse for 4-0': Mitchell Starc hits back at Stuart Broad's bio-bubble remark on Ashes 2021</a></p>

<p>Shastri also backed Shubman Gill to be part of the Playing XI, having impressed with his bat in 2023. Gill has been in superb nick of form that has seen him score two IPL hundreds while also exploding on the international stage. Jaydev Unadkat is also fit and on his way to England after his side Rajasthan Royals was eliminated from the league stage of IPL 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s Test squad WTC final:</strong></h2>

<p>Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the selection of Ajinkya Rahane in India’s potential Playing XI in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) where they will take on Australia.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the selection of Ajinkya Rahane in India’s potential Playing XI in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) where they will take on Australia. Rahane, who last played for India in January 2022, was named in India’s squad for the showpiece final which takes place at the iconic Oval stadium from June 7. India will play in their second consecutive ICC WTC final, having ended on the losing side against New Zealand in 2021. Shastri backs Rahane “The way he's timed the ball, the way he's looking at T20 from a different perspective. He's not looking at the number of runs, he's looking at the number of balls he's playing against that. What is the strike rate with those numbers of balls he's played, which is good and which augurs well,” Shastri told on the ICC Review. “It just goes to show (what happens) when you go through the grind; you go back to domestic cricket. He's earned his place in that World Test Championship side,” he added. Can India complete ICC Grand Slam? As things stand, both India and Australia have the opportunity to complete a Grand Slam of Australian titles, having won the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma’s men will arrive in slots in England with the final stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in full swing. If India do win the WTC final, they will add to their trophy cabinet which already consists of the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2007 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy (2000 and 2013). ALSO READ | 'Is that an excuse for 4-0': Mitchell Starc hits back at Stuart Broad's bio-bubble remark on Ashes 2021 Shastri also backed Shubman Gill to be part of the Playing XI, having impressed with his bat in 2023. Gill has been in superb nick of form that has seen him score two IPL hundreds while also exploding on the international stage. Jaydev Unadkat is also fit and on his way to England after his side Rajasthan Royals was eliminated from the league stage of IPL 2023. India’s Test squad WTC final: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC 2023 Final: Ravi Shastri backs Ajinkya Rahane's selection for one-off contest, says he's earned his place

<p>Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane has taken everybody by surprise in the Indian Premier League 2023. His resurgence has, in part, led to his comeback in the Indian Test team as well, from which he had been dropped. The Mumbai-born cricketer has been a force in Indian cricket for quite some time but lately has been out of touch.</p>

<p>Better known for his red-ball exploits for India, he has been playing the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. The batsman has scored 4,356 runs in the league but since 2020, he has not been his best self.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, Rahane has played only 18 matches in three seasons from 2020-2022, scoring 254 runs with just one fifty to his name and a strike rate of 100 or thereabouts. This year however, he is back and with a force. Such has been the dominance of Rahane this year that he already has surpassed the run tally of his last three seasons with one more game left in the league phase. Rahane's strike rate this season has been his best ever in the IPL - a whooping 169.8, and he already has two fifties to his name - 100% more than he had in the last three seasons.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-have-impact-player-bowlers-fared-in-ipl-2023-592655">Explained: How have Impact Player - Bowlers fared in IPL 2023?</a></p>

<p>What stands out the most this season about Rahane is his intent. The batsman has often been tagged as a conventional player or in more crude terms - the one who plays slow. This season, however, he has come out all guns blazing, like a kid high on sugar during Christmas not listening to anyone but just rushing towards the gifts to open them. Rahane has been the same - coming out hitting boundaries, even on the good balls which he used to respect earlier, and just slam the door shut on the opposition.</p>

<p>The intent is visible from his numbers as well when we compare his performance from 2020-2022 to the 2023 IPL edition. In the three seasons before 2023, Rahane played 243 balls in total and scored 254 runs. This season though, he has just played 166 balls and has scored 282 runs already at an average of 35.25, hitting 13 sixes - seven more than he had hit from 2020 to 2022.</p>

<p>Now, let's take a deep-dive in how Rahane 2.0 has played in 2023 so far.</p>

<h2><strong>Breaking down Ajinkya Rahane 2.0</strong></h2>

<p>Rahane didn't feature in the first two games for CSK but has played in every single game since he batted in match three against Mumbai Indians. The batsman walked in at number three with CSK, having no runs on the board in the chase of 155 and a wicket down. By the time Rahane departed, CSK had more than half of runs required on board - 82 to be precise - and Rahane had scored 61 of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And the number of balls he took to score those runs? Just 27. He hit 23 runs in his first 10 balls, 30 in next 10 and eight of final seven. The innings also included seven fours and three sixes - one four and two sixes in first 10 balls, five fours and one six in next 10 and one four in last seven balls he played. Rahane's strike rate during that blitzkrieg of innings was 225.92 and Chennai went on to win the game by seven wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is how Rahane 2.0 announced himself.</p>

<p>In 11 matches he has played this season, Rahane came on to bat nine times and CSK have won six times during those matches - three while batting first and three while chasing. The maximum balls Rahane has faced this season is 29 but the interesting point is he has batted for more than 20 balls only twice in nine games and both times he scored a fifty and that too at a strike rate of more than 220.</p>

<p>Speaking of Rahane's strike rate in a bracket of 10 balls each - the batsman has scored 135 runs out of his total 282 this season in the first 90 balls he has faced (first 10 of each game he batted in). His cumulative strike rate in the first 10 balls during the nine matches he has batted in has been a whopping 150. With eight fours and five sixes in 90 balls, Rahane has hit one boundary almost every seven balls.</p>

<p>In the second part of his innings - 11 to 20 balls - Rahane has scored 106 runs (60 balls cumulatively) at a strike rate of 266, hitting 10 fours and five sixes - one boundary every four balls. And once past 20 balls, his 41 runs have come just in 16 balls at a strike rate of mind-boggling 256.</p>

<p>Now to the question: has Rahane played freely while CSK batted first or while chasing as well?</p>

<p>Whenever CSK chose to bat first in the games Rahane batted, which is four out of nine times - he scored 145 runs off 80 balls at a strike rate of 181, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes. Talking about 10-ball brackets, Rahane has scored 59 and 53 runs at a strike rate of 147 and 170 in the bracket of 1-10 and 11-20 balls, respectively. The only time he batted more than 20 balls while batting first, Rahane scored 33 runs off nine balls at a strike rate of 366.66. His average has been 48.33 while batting first.</p>

<p>When CSK have chased (five of the nine times in the matches Rahane batted in), he scored 137 off 86 balls at a strike rate of 159, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. In the 10-ball brackets, he has scored 76 runs from balls 1-10 and 53 from balls 11-20 at a strike of 152 and 182, respectively and the average is 27 - not bad at all for T20s.</p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>Clearly, Rahane has decided to go big and boom-boom from ball one instead of his typical style of batting safe and long. His new-found love for hitting good balls has also given CSK much-needed impetus in the middle overs and the results are here for everyone to see - CSK are number two on points table with 15 points in 13 matches. And, the seven wins CSK have gotten, Rahane has batted in six of them. Welcome back, Ajju!</p>

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Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane has taken everybody by surprise in the Indian Premier League 2023. His resurgence has, in part, led to his comeback in the Indian Test team as well, from which he had been dropped.

Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane has taken everybody by surprise in the Indian Premier League 2023. His resurgence has, in part, led to his comeback in the Indian Test team as well, from which he had been dropped. The Mumbai-born cricketer has been a force in Indian cricket for quite some time but lately has been out of touch. Better known for his red-ball exploits for India, he has been playing the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. The batsman has scored 4,356 runs in the league but since 2020, he has not been his best self. In fact, Rahane has played only 18 matches in three seasons from 2020-2022, scoring 254 runs with just one fifty to his name and a strike rate of 100 or thereabouts. This year however, he is back and with a force. Such has been the dominance of Rahane this year that he already has surpassed the run tally of his last three seasons with one more game left in the league phase. Rahane's strike rate this season has been his best ever in the IPL - a whooping 169.8, and he already has two fifties to his name - 100% more than he had in the last three seasons. Also Read: Explained: How have Impact Player - Bowlers fared in IPL 2023? What stands out the most this season about Rahane is his intent. The batsman has often been tagged as a conventional player or in more crude terms - the one who plays slow. This season, however, he has come out all guns blazing, like a kid high on sugar during Christmas not listening to anyone but just rushing towards the gifts to open them. Rahane has been the same - coming out hitting boundaries, even on the good balls which he used to respect earlier, and just slam the door shut on the opposition. The intent is visible from his numbers as well when we compare his performance from 2020-2022 to the 2023 IPL edition. In the three seasons before 2023, Rahane played 243 balls in total and scored 254 runs. This season though, he has just played 166 balls and has scored 282 runs already at an average of 35.25, hitting 13 sixes - seven more than he had hit from 2020 to 2022. Now, let's take a deep-dive in how Rahane 2.0 has played in 2023 so far. Breaking down Ajinkya Rahane 2.0 Rahane didn't feature in the first two games for CSK but has played in every single game since he batted in match three against Mumbai Indians. The batsman walked in at number three with CSK, having no runs on the board in the chase of 155 and a wicket down. By the time Rahane departed, CSK had more than half of runs required on board - 82 to be precise - and Rahane had scored 61 of them. And the number of balls he took to score those runs? Just 27. He hit 23 runs in his first 10 balls, 30 in next 10 and eight of final seven. The innings also included seven fours and three sixes - one four and two sixes in first 10 balls, five fours and one six in next 10 and one four in last seven balls he played. Rahane's strike rate during that blitzkrieg of innings was 225.92 and Chennai went on to win the game by seven wickets. This is how Rahane 2.0 announced himself. In 11 matches he has played this season, Rahane came on to bat nine times and CSK have won six times during those matches - three while batting first and three while chasing. The maximum balls Rahane has faced this season is 29 but the interesting point is he has batted for more than 20 balls only twice in nine games and both times he scored a fifty and that too at a strike rate of more than 220. Speaking of Rahane's strike rate in a bracket of 10 balls each - the batsman has scored 135 runs out of his total 282 this season in the first 90 balls he has faced (first 10 of each game he batted in). His cumulative strike rate in the first 10 balls during the nine matches he has batted in has been a whopping 150. With eight fours and five sixes in 90 balls, Rahane has hit one boundary almost every seven balls. In the second part of his innings - 11 to 20 balls - Rahane has scored 106 runs (60 balls cumulatively) at a strike rate of 266, hitting 10 fours and five sixes - one boundary every four balls. And once past 20 balls, his 41 runs have come just in 16 balls at a strike rate of mind-boggling 256. Now to the question: has Rahane played freely while CSK batted first or while chasing as well? Whenever CSK chose to bat first in the games Rahane batted, which is four out of nine times - he scored 145 runs off 80 balls at a strike rate of 181, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes. Talking about 10-ball brackets, Rahane has scored 59 and 53 runs at a strike rate of 147 and 170 in the bracket of 1-10 and 11-20 balls, respectively. The only time he batted more than 20 balls while batting first, Rahane scored 33 runs off nine balls at a strike rate of 366.66. His average has been 48.33 while batting first. When CSK have chased (five of the nine times in the matches Rahane batted in), he scored 137 off 86 balls at a strike rate of 159, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. In the 10-ball brackets, he has scored 76 runs from balls 1-10 and 53 from balls 11-20 at a strike of 152 and 182, respectively and the average is 27 - not bad at all for T20s. Conclusion Clearly, Rahane has decided to go big and boom-boom from ball one instead of his typical style of batting safe and long. His new-found love for hitting good balls has also given CSK much-needed impetus in the middle overs and the results are here for everyone to see - CSK are number two on points table with 15 points in 13 matches. And, the seven wins CSK have gotten, Rahane has batted in six of them. Welcome back, Ajju! WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: How Ajinkya Rahane rediscovered himself with CSK in IPL 2023

<p>Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane has taken everybody by surprise in the Indian Premier League 2023. His resurgence has, in part, led to his comeback in the Indian Test team as well from which he was dropped. The Mumbai-born cricketer has been a force in the Indian cricket for quite some time but lately has been out of touch.</p>

<p>Better known for his red-ball exploits for India, he has been playing the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. The batsman has scored 4,356 runs in the league but since 2020, he has not been his best self.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, Rahane has played only 18 matches in three seasons from 2020-2022, scoring 254 runs with just one fifty to his name and a strike rate of 100 something. This year though, he is back and with a force. Such has been the dominance of Rahane this year that he already has surpassed the run-tally of his last three seasons with one more game left in the league phase. Rahane's strike rate this season has been his best ever in the IPL - a whooping 169.8 and he already has two fifties to his name - 100% more than he had in the last three seasons.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-have-impact-player-bowlers-fared-in-ipl-2023-592655">Explained: How have Impact Player - Bowlers fared in IPL 2023?</a></p>

<p>What stands out the most this season about Rahane is his intent. The batsman has often been tagged as a conventional player or in more crude terms - the one who plays slow. This season, however, he has come out all guns blazing, like a kid high on sugar during Christmas not listening to anyone but just rushing towards the gifts to open them. Rahane has been the same - coming out hitting boundaries, even on the good balls which he used to respect earlier, and just slam the door shut on the opposition.</p>

<p>The intent is visible from his numbers as well when we compare his performance from 2020-2022 to 2023. In the three seasons before 2023, Rahane played 243 balls in total and scored 254 runs. This season though, he has just played 166 balls and has scored a 282 runs already at an average of 35.25, hitting 13 sixes - seven more than he had hit from 2020 to 2022. Now, let's take a deep-dive in how Rahane 2.0 has played in 2023 so far.</p>

<h2><strong>Breaking down Ajinkya Rahane 2.0</strong></h2>

<p>Rahane didn't feature in the first two games for CSK but has played in every single game since he batted in match three against MI. The batsman walked in at number three with CSK having no runs on the board in the chase of 155 and a wicket down. By the time Rahane departed, CSK had more than half runs of required on board - 82 to be precise and Rahane had scored 61 of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And the number of balls he took to score those runs - just 27. He hit 23 runs in his first 10 balls, 30 in next 10 and eight of final seven. The innings also included seven fours and three sixes - one four and two sixes in first 10 balls, five fours and one six in next 10 and one four in last seven balls he played. Rahane's strike rate during that blitzkrieg of innings was 225.92 and Chennai went on to win the game by seven wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is how Rahane 2.0 announced himself.</p>

<p>In 11 matches he has played this season, Rahane came on to bat nine times and CSK have won six times during those matches - three while batting first and three while chasing. The maximum balls Rahane has faced this season is 29 but the interesting point is he has batted for more than 20 balls only twice in nine games and both times he scored a fifty and that too at a strike rate of more than 220.</p>

<p>Speaking of Rahane's strike rate in a bracket of 10 balls each - the batsman has scored 135 runs out of his total 282 this season in the first 90 balls he has faced (first 10 of each game he batted in). His cumulative strike rate in the first 10 balls during the nine matches he has batted in has been a whopping 150. With eight fours and five sixes in 90 balls, Rahane has hit one boundary almost every seven balls.</p>

<p>In the second part of his innings - 11 to 20 balls - Rahane has scored 106 runs (60 balls cumulatively) at a strike rate of 266, hitting 10 fours and five sixes - one boundary every four balls. And once past 20 balls, his 41 runs have come just in 16 balls at a strike rate of mind-boggling 256.</p>

<p>Now, to the question that has Rahane played freely while CSK batted first or while chasing as well?</p>

<p>Whenever CSK chose to bat first in the games Rahane batted, which is four out of nine times - he scored 145 runs off 80 balls at a strike rate of 181, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes. Talking about 10-ball brackets, Rahane has scored 59 and 53 runs at a strike rate of 147 and 170 in the bracket of 1-10 and 11-20 balls, respectively. The only time he batted more than 20 balls while batting first, Rahane scored 33 runs of nine balls at a strike rate of 366.66. His average has been 48.33 while batting first.</p>

<p>When CSK have chased (five of the nine times in the matched Rahane batted), he scored 137 off 86 balls at a strike rate of 159, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. In the 10-ball brackets, he has scored 76 runs from balls 1-10 and 53 from balls 11-20 at a strike of 152 and 182, respectively and the average is 27 - not bad at all for T20s.</p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>Clearly, Rahane has decided to go big and boom-boom from ball one instead of his typical style of batting safe and long. His new-found love for hitting good balls has also given CSK much-needed impetus in the middle overs and the results are here for everyone to see - CSK are number two on points table with 15 points in 13 matches. And, the seven wins CSK have gotten, Rahane has batted in six of them. Welcome back, Ajju!</p>

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Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane has taken everybody by surprise in the Indian Premier League 2023. His resurgence has, in part, led to his comeback in the Indian Test team as well from which he was dropped.

Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane has taken everybody by surprise in the Indian Premier League 2023. His resurgence has, in part, led to his comeback in the Indian Test team as well from which he was dropped. The Mumbai-born cricketer has been a force in the Indian cricket for quite some time but lately has been out of touch. Better known for his red-ball exploits for India, he has been playing the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008. The batsman has scored 4,356 runs in the league but since 2020, he has not been his best self. In fact, Rahane has played only 18 matches in three seasons from 2020-2022, scoring 254 runs with just one fifty to his name and a strike rate of 100 something. This year though, he is back and with a force. Such has been the dominance of Rahane this year that he already has surpassed the run-tally of his last three seasons with one more game left in the league phase. Rahane's strike rate this season has been his best ever in the IPL - a whooping 169.8 and he already has two fifties to his name - 100% more than he had in the last three seasons. Also Read: Explained: How have Impact Player - Bowlers fared in IPL 2023? What stands out the most this season about Rahane is his intent. The batsman has often been tagged as a conventional player or in more crude terms - the one who plays slow. This season, however, he has come out all guns blazing, like a kid high on sugar during Christmas not listening to anyone but just rushing towards the gifts to open them. Rahane has been the same - coming out hitting boundaries, even on the good balls which he used to respect earlier, and just slam the door shut on the opposition. The intent is visible from his numbers as well when we compare his performance from 2020-2022 to 2023. In the three seasons before 2023, Rahane played 243 balls in total and scored 254 runs. This season though, he has just played 166 balls and has scored a 282 runs already at an average of 35.25, hitting 13 sixes - seven more than he had hit from 2020 to 2022. Now, let's take a deep-dive in how Rahane 2.0 has played in 2023 so far. Breaking down Ajinkya Rahane 2.0 Rahane didn't feature in the first two games for CSK but has played in every single game since he batted in match three against MI. The batsman walked in at number three with CSK having no runs on the board in the chase of 155 and a wicket down. By the time Rahane departed, CSK had more than half runs of required on board - 82 to be precise and Rahane had scored 61 of them. And the number of balls he took to score those runs - just 27. He hit 23 runs in his first 10 balls, 30 in next 10 and eight of final seven. The innings also included seven fours and three sixes - one four and two sixes in first 10 balls, five fours and one six in next 10 and one four in last seven balls he played. Rahane's strike rate during that blitzkrieg of innings was 225.92 and Chennai went on to win the game by seven wickets. This is how Rahane 2.0 announced himself. In 11 matches he has played this season, Rahane came on to bat nine times and CSK have won six times during those matches - three while batting first and three while chasing. The maximum balls Rahane has faced this season is 29 but the interesting point is he has batted for more than 20 balls only twice in nine games and both times he scored a fifty and that too at a strike rate of more than 220. Speaking of Rahane's strike rate in a bracket of 10 balls each - the batsman has scored 135 runs out of his total 282 this season in the first 90 balls he has faced (first 10 of each game he batted in). His cumulative strike rate in the first 10 balls during the nine matches he has batted in has been a whopping 150. With eight fours and five sixes in 90 balls, Rahane has hit one boundary almost every seven balls. In the second part of his innings - 11 to 20 balls - Rahane has scored 106 runs (60 balls cumulatively) at a strike rate of 266, hitting 10 fours and five sixes - one boundary every four balls. And once past 20 balls, his 41 runs have come just in 16 balls at a strike rate of mind-boggling 256. Now, to the question that has Rahane played freely while CSK batted first or while chasing as well? Whenever CSK chose to bat first in the games Rahane batted, which is four out of nine times - he scored 145 runs off 80 balls at a strike rate of 181, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes. Talking about 10-ball brackets, Rahane has scored 59 and 53 runs at a strike rate of 147 and 170 in the bracket of 1-10 and 11-20 balls, respectively. The only time he batted more than 20 balls while batting first, Rahane scored 33 runs of nine balls at a strike rate of 366.66. His average has been 48.33 while batting first. When CSK have chased (five of the nine times in the matched Rahane batted), he scored 137 off 86 balls at a strike rate of 159, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. In the 10-ball brackets, he has scored 76 runs from balls 1-10 and 53 from balls 11-20 at a strike of 152 and 182, respectively and the average is 27 - not bad at all for T20s. Conclusion Clearly, Rahane has decided to go big and boom-boom from ball one instead of his typical style of batting safe and long. His new-found love for hitting good balls has also given CSK much-needed impetus in the middle overs and the results are here for everyone to see - CSK are number two on points table with 15 points in 13 matches. And, the seven wins CSK have gotten, Rahane has batted in six of them. Welcome back, Ajju! WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023 Ajinkya Rahane matches runs strike rate sixes and fours

<p>Delhi Capitals all-rounder Lalit Yadav took a screamer to dismiss Chennai Super Kings' Ajinkya Rahane in match 55 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Chepauk.</p>

<p>Bowling the 12th over of the innings, Lalit bowled a fuller ball, to which Rahane stepped out premeditatedly and hit down the ground towards the non-striker Shivam Dube.</p>

<p>Lalit, however, dived to his right and pull off a sensational one-handed catch just inches off the ground to dismiss Rahane. Have a look at the video here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">THAT. WAS. STUNNING! 👌 👌<br />
<br />
Relive that sensational catch from <a href="https://twitter.com/LalitYadav03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LalitYadav03</a> 👍 👍<br />
<br />
Follow the match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/soUtpXQjCX">https://t.co/soUtpXQjCX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvDC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://t.co/z15ZMq1Z6E">pic.twitter.com/z15ZMq1Z6E</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1656315476518244353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rahane, who is in sublime form this IPL season, could score only 21 off 20 before getting out. Notably, Rahane had earlier scored a half-century in the season off just 19 balls but looked out of touch this evening. Rahane, however, has scored 255 runs in nine matches this season with a healthy average of 42.50 and a stunning strike rate of 180.85.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-that-really-hurt-kkr-skipper-nitish-rana-on-being-criticised-for-short-ball-technique-591055">'That really hurt...:' KKR skipper Nitish Rana on being criticised for short-ball technique</a></p>

<p>The batter has also hit two fifties with the highest score of 71 not out. Rahane, who is best known for his red-ball exploits for India, has also hit 21 fours and 12 sixes this season.</p>

<p>Earlier, CSK won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a typical Chennai pitch. CSK, however, got off to a decent start as Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 32 runs for the first wicket in four overs before DC spinner Axar Patel struck with his first ball of the match. Patel trapped Conway LBW on 10 off 13.</p>

<p>Gaikwad also departed on the first ball after the powerplay on 24 off 18 as Axar got him caught on long-off. Moeen Ali came in next with CSK two down for 49 but was done by Kuldeep Yadav's wrist spin, having scored just seven off 10 balls. Ajinkya was the fourth wicket to fall as DC spinners choked the flow of runs and left CSK reeling four down on 77 runs in 11.1 overs.</p>

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Delhi Capitals all-rounder Lalit Yadav took a screamer to dismiss Chennai Super Kings' Ajinkya Rahane in match 55 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Chepauk. Bowling the 12th over of the innings, Lalit bowled a fuller ball, to which Rahane stepped out premeditatedly and hit down the ground towards the non-striker Shivam Dube.

Delhi Capitals all-rounder Lalit Yadav took a screamer to dismiss Chennai Super Kings' Ajinkya Rahane in match 55 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Chepauk. Bowling the 12th over of the innings, Lalit bowled a fuller ball, to which Rahane stepped out premeditatedly and hit down the ground towards the non-striker Shivam Dube. Lalit, however, dived to his right and pull off a sensational one-handed catch just inches off the ground to dismiss Rahane. Have a look at the video here: THAT. WAS. STUNNING! 👌 👌 Relive that sensational catch from @LalitYadav03 👍 👍 Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/soUtpXQjCX#TATAIPL | #CSKvDC | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/z15ZMq1Z6E — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2023 × Rahane, who is in sublime form this IPL season, could score only 21 off 20 before getting out. Notably, Rahane had earlier scored a half-century in the season off just 19 balls but looked out of touch this evening. Rahane, however, has scored 255 runs in nine matches this season with a healthy average of 42.50 and a stunning strike rate of 180.85. Also Read: 'That really hurt...:' KKR skipper Nitish Rana on being criticised for short-ball technique The batter has also hit two fifties with the highest score of 71 not out. Rahane, who is best known for his red-ball exploits for India, has also hit 21 fours and 12 sixes this season. Earlier, CSK won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a typical Chennai pitch. CSK, however, got off to a decent start as Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 32 runs for the first wicket in four overs before DC spinner Axar Patel struck with his first ball of the match. Patel trapped Conway LBW on 10 off 13. Gaikwad also departed on the first ball after the powerplay on 24 off 18 as Axar got him caught on long-off. Moeen Ali came in next with CSK two down for 49 but was done by Kuldeep Yadav's wrist spin, having scored just seven off 10 balls. Ajinkya was the fourth wicket to fall as DC spinners choked the flow of runs and left CSK reeling four down on 77 runs in 11.1 overs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: DC's Lalit Yadav takes SENSATIONAL one-handed catch to dismiss CSK's Ajinkya Rahane - WATCH

<p>Ajinkya Rahane has revived his T20 career by featuring for the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023. In seven games, Rahane has amassed 224 runs at a strike rate of 189. His rich form led to the BCCI selectors recalling him in India's Test squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Rahane's form and injury to Shreyas Iyer, who has become India's regular No. 5 in whites, led to his inclusion into the WTC squad. Now, former Indian pacer S Sreesanth believes he can also earn a place in India's 2023 ODI World Cup squad.</p>

<p>The ODI World Cup is set to be held in India later this year. Injuries to Iyer and KL Rahul have dented India's preparations. However, it will be interesting to see if Rahane continues with his rich form in the coming months and somehow manages to feature in the ODI squad as well. It is to be ntoed that he last represented India in the shorter format in early 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would love to see him (Rahane) in the squad. The way he is performing, especially with the World Cup happening in India, That will be one of the boldest moves the selectors can make," Sreesanth told Star Sports.</p>

<p>Sreesanth, part of India's 2011 ODI WC squad, further asserted, "I am very confident he will do well in the World Test Championship final. But he shouldn’t be judged by that performance. He should be given the opportunity (ODI). Let’s see if there are other tournaments; if he is given white-ball cricket back to him, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him going at No. 4 and winning matches for the country."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-ms-dhoni-no-longer-playing-as-a-player-but-as-mentor-former-indian-batter-on-csk-captain-588762">IPL 2023: 'MS Dhoni no longer playing as a player but as mentor' - Former Indian batter on CSK captain</a></strong></p>

<p>At present, Rahane is focused to guide CSK to the playoffs in IPL 2023. The Yellow Army are currently in the third position after ten games, having 11 points (five wins, four defeats and one no-result). They will next face the arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), in Chennai, in match 48 in what will be the reverse fixture between the two marquee teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Rahane does well in the WTC final, between India and Australia in early June, he might have an outside chance to feature in India's ODI WC squad (with injuries to several middle-order batters). However, for now, it seems like a distant dream for the Mumbaikar. He represented India in the 2015 ODI WC.</p>


Ajinkya Rahane has revived his T20 career by featuring for the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023. In seven games, Rahane has amassed 224 runs at a strike rate of 189.

Ajinkya Rahane has revived his T20 career by featuring for the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023. In seven games, Rahane has amassed 224 runs at a strike rate of 189. His rich form led to the BCCI selectors recalling him in India's Test squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Rahane's form and injury to Shreyas Iyer, who has become India's regular No. 5 in whites, led to his inclusion into the WTC squad. Now, former Indian pacer S Sreesanth believes he can also earn a place in India's 2023 ODI World Cup squad. The ODI World Cup is set to be held in India later this year. Injuries to Iyer and KL Rahul have dented India's preparations. However, it will be interesting to see if Rahane continues with his rich form in the coming months and somehow manages to feature in the ODI squad as well. It is to be ntoed that he last represented India in the shorter format in early 2018. "I would love to see him (Rahane) in the squad. The way he is performing, especially with the World Cup happening in India, That will be one of the boldest moves the selectors can make," Sreesanth told Star Sports. Sreesanth, part of India's 2011 ODI WC squad, further asserted, "I am very confident he will do well in the World Test Championship final. But he shouldn’t be judged by that performance. He should be given the opportunity (ODI). Let’s see if there are other tournaments; if he is given white-ball cricket back to him, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him going at No. 4 and winning matches for the country." Also Read: IPL 2023: 'MS Dhoni no longer playing as a player but as mentor' - Former Indian batter on CSK captain At present, Rahane is focused to guide CSK to the playoffs in IPL 2023. The Yellow Army are currently in the third position after ten games, having 11 points (five wins, four defeats and one no-result). They will next face the arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), in Chennai, in match 48 in what will be the reverse fixture between the two marquee teams. If Rahane does well in the WTC final, between India and Australia in early June, he might have an outside chance to feature in India's ODI WC squad (with injuries to several middle-order batters). However, for now, it seems like a distant dream for the Mumbaikar. He represented India in the 2015 ODI WC.

IPL 2023: 'Would love to see him in India's ODI WC squad': Sreesanth calls for CSK's star batter inclusion

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<p>Like all good things come to an end, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s tenure as a Chennai Super Kings captain and player will meet a similar fate too. But when? Well, no one really knows, especially with MS, who is not vocal about his plans going ahead. However, with what he has said in the post-match pressers lately, he’s probably hinted about hanging his boots from cricket as a player after the end of this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Premier League has benefited from plenty of stars from across the world, but it’s fair to say none bring the crowd and the craze to the stadium the way MS does. Barring his accolades that makes him perhaps the greatest-ever captain in the tournament’s history, Dhoni’s persona and how ecstatic everyone becomes&nbsp;by just having a glimpse of him is seen during CSK’s training sessions at Chepauk, where people gather in thousands, leaving aside whatever they are doing to come and watch him train.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-india-should-look-beyond-jasprit-bumrah-for-2023-world-cup-584343">Explained – Why India should look beyond Jasprit Bumrah for 2023 World Cup</a></p>

<p>It’s hard to figure out or comment on what the fans will miss the most when Dhoni says goodbye to this tournament and cricket – MS Dhoni - the batter, or MS Dhoni - the captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MS Dhoni - the batter, was lethal, as dangerous a lower-order batter and a finisher like none other, but as time would have it, he’s a pale shadow of that player now. Never mind, he had cracked the code of taking the games deep and finishing on his terms, and even today, he holds that charisma to do that.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni - the captain, is for eternity! Barely anyone comes close to him as a leader in this tournament. He has the sharpest mind, the quickest hands in the east, an eye for every moment, and above all - a gut that never lets him down. CSK, for as many as 13 years, has blossomed under his guidance; plenty of players, irrespective of for which team they play for, make&nbsp;sure they are listening to what he says and pick his brain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such things are beyond every word, every learning curve and anything this game has to offer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Life beyond MS Dhoni in IPL will hit different!</p>

<p>So, looking at the bigger picture now, when MS Dhoni leaves, who succeeds him as the CSK captain?</p>

<p>Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja or someone else?</p>

<p><strong>Let’s have a look –</strong></p>

<p><strong>Ben Stokes as CSK’s captain</strong></p>

<p>It looks like the most viable option for all obvious reasons. Stokes is England’s Test captain, and the best modern-day all-rounder. Under Brendon McCullum, who also once was part of MS Dhoni’s CSK, Stokes had led England to great heights and has shown hunger for more success.</p>

<p>His cricketing knowledge, his game sense, much like MS - his gut, everything seems to align. Having played under Dhoni at the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), and now at Chennai, Stokes understands the dressing room atmosphere and how things go about in this dugout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, considering the passing the baton to Stokes would be a smooth process, the top bosses and, of course MS himself wouldn’t mind Ben to be the next CSK captain.</p>

<p>However, there is one obstacle – Stokes’ history with injuries and commitment to international schedule could spoil the plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, it’s about time before these issues get addressed and a new captain is named.</p>

<p><strong>Ajinkya Rahane as CSK’s captain</strong></p>

<p>Surprise, surprise! Yes, you read it right, Ajinkya Rahane as CSK’s captain when Dhoni retires. Why not?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane is a calm cricketer; he lets his mind and game speak for him, he surely has the brain of a leader – for what he achieved for India against Australia in the famous 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar series, where he led his team to an improbable series win – the biggest of that came at the Gabba.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For an outsider, Rahane was just a random buy at the 2022 IPL auction, and he wasn’t even considered to be playing, let alone being considered as&nbsp;MS Dhoni’s successor at CSK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then, life happened!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni not only made him play, but also gave him the liberty to unleash himself, and when Rahane did what his captain&nbsp;said, he took IPL 2023 by storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is what confidence does to a human being.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this going forward, and keeping in mind several other factors, including the rule of four foreign players in the XI, picking an Indian player to lead the side would at least solve this worry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-what-future-holds-for-chennai-super-kings-after-ms-dhoni-leaves-who-will-take-forward-his-legacy-565804">Explained: What future holds for Chennai Super Kings after Dhoni? Who will take forward his legacy?</a></p>

<p><strong>Who else?</strong></p>

<p>Who else? Chennai tried Ravindra Jadeja, and it didn’t work but going by the experience, he’s most likely to be a backup option.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ruturaj Gaikwad? He could be tried, but has no credentials as such to push for a case; but again, who knows, no one knew MS could turn into a super-hero captain, but here he is!</p>


Like all good things come to an end, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s tenure as a Chennai Super Kings captain and player will meet a similar fate too. But when? Well, no one really knows, especially with MS, who is not vocal about his plans going ahead.

Like all good things come to an end, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s tenure as a Chennai Super Kings captain and player will meet a similar fate too. But when? Well, no one really knows, especially with MS, who is not vocal about his plans going ahead. However, with what he has said in the post-match pressers lately, he’s probably hinted about hanging his boots from cricket as a player after the end of this season. The Indian Premier League has benefited from plenty of stars from across the world, but it’s fair to say none bring the crowd and the craze to the stadium the way MS does. Barring his accolades that makes him perhaps the greatest-ever captain in the tournament’s history, Dhoni’s persona and how ecstatic everyone becomes by just having a glimpse of him is seen during CSK’s training sessions at Chepauk, where people gather in thousands, leaving aside whatever they are doing to come and watch him train. ALSO READ: Explained – Why India should look beyond Jasprit Bumrah for 2023 World Cup It’s hard to figure out or comment on what the fans will miss the most when Dhoni says goodbye to this tournament and cricket – MS Dhoni - the batter, or MS Dhoni - the captain. MS Dhoni - the batter, was lethal, as dangerous a lower-order batter and a finisher like none other, but as time would have it, he’s a pale shadow of that player now. Never mind, he had cracked the code of taking the games deep and finishing on his terms, and even today, he holds that charisma to do that. MS Dhoni - the captain, is for eternity! Barely anyone comes close to him as a leader in this tournament. He has the sharpest mind, the quickest hands in the east, an eye for every moment, and above all - a gut that never lets him down. CSK, for as many as 13 years, has blossomed under his guidance; plenty of players, irrespective of for which team they play for, make sure they are listening to what he says and pick his brain. Such things are beyond every word, every learning curve and anything this game has to offer. Life beyond MS Dhoni in IPL will hit different! So, looking at the bigger picture now, when MS Dhoni leaves, who succeeds him as the CSK captain? Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja or someone else? Let’s have a look – Ben Stokes as CSK’s captain It looks like the most viable option for all obvious reasons. Stokes is England’s Test captain, and the best modern-day all-rounder. Under Brendon McCullum, who also once was part of MS Dhoni’s CSK, Stokes had led England to great heights and has shown hunger for more success. His cricketing knowledge, his game sense, much like MS - his gut, everything seems to align. Having played under Dhoni at the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), and now at Chennai, Stokes understands the dressing room atmosphere and how things go about in this dugout. Also, considering the passing the baton to Stokes would be a smooth process, the top bosses and, of course MS himself wouldn’t mind Ben to be the next CSK captain. However, there is one obstacle – Stokes’ history with injuries and commitment to international schedule could spoil the plan. So, it’s about time before these issues get addressed and a new captain is named. Ajinkya Rahane as CSK’s captain Surprise, surprise! Yes, you read it right, Ajinkya Rahane as CSK’s captain when Dhoni retires. Why not? Rahane is a calm cricketer; he lets his mind and game speak for him, he surely has the brain of a leader – for what he achieved for India against Australia in the famous 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar series, where he led his team to an improbable series win – the biggest of that came at the Gabba. For an outsider, Rahane was just a random buy at the 2022 IPL auction, and he wasn’t even considered to be playing, let alone being considered as MS Dhoni’s successor at CSK. Then, life happened! Dhoni not only made him play, but also gave him the liberty to unleash himself, and when Rahane did what his captain said, he took IPL 2023 by storm. It is what confidence does to a human being. With this going forward, and keeping in mind several other factors, including the rule of four foreign players in the XI, picking an Indian player to lead the side would at least solve this worry. ALSO READ: Explained: What future holds for Chennai Super Kings after Dhoni? Who will take forward his legacy? Who else? Who else? Chennai tried Ravindra Jadeja, and it didn’t work but going by the experience, he’s most likely to be a backup option. Ruturaj Gaikwad? He could be tried, but has no credentials as such to push for a case; but again, who knows, no one knew MS could turn into a super-hero captain, but here he is!

EXPLAINED - Ben Stokes or Ajinkya Rahane? Who succeeds MS Dhoni as CSK captain after his IPL retirement

<p>Ajinkya Rahane’s selection in the Indian team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final might have come as a surprise for many, but the experienced former India vice-captain against the odds made it to the squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to turn back the pages as they got Rahane in the team, but according to a report, the board consulted MS Dhoni to get his services into the squad.</p>

<p>According to a report by The Times of India, the BCCI approached Rahane’s franchise skipper at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni to have him in the 15-man squad. The Mumbai-based batter is having a spectacular Indian Premier League (IPL) season and has already amassed 209 runs in five matches at the time of writing. With form on his side and the absence of key players within the Indian team, left the BCCI was left with no alternatives but to get the services of Rahane as a seasoned campaigner.</p>

<p>Rahane has not played for India since the Test series in South Africa in January 2022 and looked surplus to requirements after the arrival of Shreyas Iyer and other key options. However, with Shreyas Iyer injured and Hanuma Vihari not in consideration, the Board opted to get the services of Rahane for the solitary final against Australia in June.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-reveals-annual-player-retainership-for-womens-team-harmanpreet-mandhana-retain-grade-a-category-586612">BCCI reveals Annual Player Retainership for women's team, Harmanpreet, Mandhana retain Grade A category</a></p>

<p>Dhoni played a key role in Rahane’s selection according to the report where he has flourished for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).&nbsp; So far he has scored 209 runs at an average of 52 while he is striking at 199 in the league.</p>

<p>While nothing is guaranteed whether he will play in the WTC final, Rahane’s selection could be the welcome boost team India could have needed. The selection committee also opted to bring in Shardul Thakur for the WTC final as he too comes in with tons of experience in the domestic circuit.</p>

<p><strong>India's squad for the WTC 2021-23 final:</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

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Ajinkya Rahane’s selection in the Indian team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final might have come as a surprise for many, but the experienced former India vice-captain against the odds made it to the squad.

Ajinkya Rahane’s selection in the Indian team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final might have come as a surprise for many, but the experienced former India vice-captain against the odds made it to the squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to turn back the pages as they got Rahane in the team, but according to a report, the board consulted MS Dhoni to get his services into the squad. According to a report by The Times of India, the BCCI approached Rahane’s franchise skipper at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MS Dhoni to have him in the 15-man squad. The Mumbai-based batter is having a spectacular Indian Premier League (IPL) season and has already amassed 209 runs in five matches at the time of writing. With form on his side and the absence of key players within the Indian team, left the BCCI was left with no alternatives but to get the services of Rahane as a seasoned campaigner. Rahane has not played for India since the Test series in South Africa in January 2022 and looked surplus to requirements after the arrival of Shreyas Iyer and other key options. However, with Shreyas Iyer injured and Hanuma Vihari not in consideration, the Board opted to get the services of Rahane for the solitary final against Australia in June. ALSO READ | BCCI reveals Annual Player Retainership for women's team, Harmanpreet, Mandhana retain Grade A category Dhoni played a key role in Rahane’s selection according to the report where he has flourished for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). So far he has scored 209 runs at an average of 52 while he is striking at 199 in the league. While nothing is guaranteed whether he will play in the WTC final, Rahane’s selection could be the welcome boost team India could have needed. The selection committee also opted to bring in Shardul Thakur for the WTC final as he too comes in with tons of experience in the domestic circuit. India's squad for the WTC 2021-23 final: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

BCCI consulted MS Dhoni for Ajinkya Rahane's selection in WTC final squad- Report

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the World Test Championship Final to be played against Australia in England from June 7, 2023.</p>

<p>BCCI has named six batsmen in the squad apart from a wicketkeeper. In the bowling department, the board has gone with three spinners and five fast bowlers. Rohit Sharma has been named captain while no vice-captain has been designated for the squad.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma, apart from leading the side, is expected to open the batting along side Shubman Gill with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli slotted next. KS Bharat has been designated the wicketkeeper in squad. Assuming that three fast bowlers and two spinners will be in the playing XI, the last batsman slot is open to be grabbed by Ajinkya Rahane and KL Rahul.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-virat-kohli-fined-24-lakhs-other-rcb-players-fined-6-lakhs-for-slow-over-rate-vs-rr-585868">Virat Kohli fined 24 lakhs, other RCB players fined 6 lakhs for slow over-rate vs RR</a></p>

<p>Among the three spinners named in the squad, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to get a nod ahead of Axar Patel. In the fast bowling department, Sahrdul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat have been able to secure a place.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 NEWS 🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final announced.<br />
<br />
Details 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> <a href="https://t.co/sz7F5ByfiU">https://t.co/sz7F5ByfiU</a> <a href="https://t.co/KIcH530rOL">pic.twitter.com/KIcH530rOL</a></p>
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<p>The most surprising name in the entire squad is of Ajinkya Rahane. The former India Test vice-captain was not the part of India's last Test series against Australia. He, however, has turned heads with his performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>Rahane plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has hit two fifties in five matches he has played so far. The batsman has hit 204 runs in the season at a strike rate of 199.04 and an average of 52.25</p>

<p><strong>India's squad for WTC Final:</strong> Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the World Test Championship Final to be played against Australia in England from June 7, 2023.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squad for the World Test Championship Final to be played against Australia in England from June 7, 2023. BCCI has named six batsmen in the squad apart from a wicketkeeper. In the bowling department, the board has gone with three spinners and five fast bowlers. Rohit Sharma has been named captain while no vice-captain has been designated for the squad. Rohit Sharma, apart from leading the side, is expected to open the batting along side Shubman Gill with Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli slotted next. KS Bharat has been designated the wicketkeeper in squad. Assuming that three fast bowlers and two spinners will be in the playing XI, the last batsman slot is open to be grabbed by Ajinkya Rahane and KL Rahul. Also Read: Virat Kohli fined 24 lakhs, other RCB players fined 6 lakhs for slow over-rate vs RR Among the three spinners named in the squad, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to get a nod ahead of Axar Patel. In the fast bowling department, Sahrdul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat have been able to secure a place. 🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final announced. Details 🔽 #WTC23 https://t.co/sz7F5ByfiU pic.twitter.com/KIcH530rOL — BCCI (@BCCI) April 25, 2023 × The most surprising name in the entire squad is of Ajinkya Rahane. The former India Test vice-captain was not the part of India's last Test series against Australia. He, however, has turned heads with his performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahane plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has hit two fifties in five matches he has played so far. The batsman has hit 204 runs in the season at a strike rate of 199.04 and an average of 52.25 India's squad for WTC Final: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTC Final, 2023: BCCI announces squad, Ajinkya Rahane makes a comeback

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final versus Australia, which will be held next month at The Oval, London. In the 15-member squad, Ajinkya Rahane made a comeback into the national side on the back of a decent run in the Ranji Trophy 2022/23 edition and his recent success in the ongoing IPL 2023 edition for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).</p>

<p>Rahane's comeback was mainly possible after Shreyas Iyer got injured, due to his persistent back issues, and Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will bank on him in the English conditions given his overall experience. Many former cricketers and experts have shared their take on Rahane's return. MSK Prasad, former Indian chief selector, also joined the bandwagon and gave a thumbs up to the former Indian Test vice-captain's return.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to IndiaToday, Prasad said, "It’s a fair team, it’s the right call. Ajinkya&nbsp;with so much of uncertainty in the middle-order, I think they (selectors) were absolutely right. I am very, very happy for him. He has always been a wonderful performer for India in the away series. And I think he fits the bill perfectly. Full credit to the selectors for bringing him back."</p>

<p><iframe aria-label="Advertisement" data-google-container-id="2" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/IT_Teads_1x1_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1007232/IT_Teads_1x1_0" role="region" scrolling="no" tabindex="0" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"Basically, his attitude is like a monk's. He is never disturbed when he is not selected. He is not over-excited when he is selected. He is that kind of a guy. His mood doesn't swing up and down, just like that. He is a very mature person. Unfortunately, because of a dip in his form, he had to sit out," he added.</p>

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<br />
Details 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> <a href="https://t.co/sz7F5ByfiU">https://t.co/sz7F5ByfiU</a> <a href="https://t.co/KIcH530rOL">pic.twitter.com/KIcH530rOL</a></p>
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<p>Rahane was part of India's playing XI when they faced eventual winners New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final, at Southampton, in 2021. He returned with scores of 49 and 15 and will hope to contribute with a big knock this time around and lead India to a memorable win.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-unseen-ms-dhoni-loses-cool-screams-and-gives-death-stare-to-his-csk-teammate-watch-586028">IPL 2023: UNSEEN! MS Dhoni loses cool, screams and gives DEATH STARE to his CSK teammate - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>INDIA SQUAD FOR WTC FINAL</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final versus Australia, which will be held next month at The Oval, London.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Team India's 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final versus Australia, which will be held next month at The Oval, London. In the 15-member squad, Ajinkya Rahane made a comeback into the national side on the back of a decent run in the Ranji Trophy 2022/23 edition and his recent success in the ongoing IPL 2023 edition for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Rahane's comeback was mainly possible after Shreyas Iyer got injured, due to his persistent back issues, and Rohit Sharma & Co. will bank on him in the English conditions given his overall experience. Many former cricketers and experts have shared their take on Rahane's return. MSK Prasad, former Indian chief selector, also joined the bandwagon and gave a thumbs up to the former Indian Test vice-captain's return. Speaking to IndiaToday, Prasad said, "It’s a fair team, it’s the right call. Ajinkya with so much of uncertainty in the middle-order, I think they (selectors) were absolutely right. I am very, very happy for him. He has always been a wonderful performer for India in the away series. And I think he fits the bill perfectly. Full credit to the selectors for bringing him back." "Basically, his attitude is like a monk's. He is never disturbed when he is not selected. He is not over-excited when he is selected. He is that kind of a guy. His mood doesn't swing up and down, just like that. He is a very mature person. Unfortunately, because of a dip in his form, he had to sit out," he added. 🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia squad for ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final announced. Details 🔽 #WTC23 https://t.co/sz7F5ByfiU pic.twitter.com/KIcH530rOL — BCCI (@BCCI) April 25, 2023 × Rahane was part of India's playing XI when they faced eventual winners New Zealand in the inaugural WTC final, at Southampton, in 2021. He returned with scores of 49 and 15 and will hope to contribute with a big knock this time around and lead India to a memorable win. Also Read: IPL 2023: UNSEEN! MS Dhoni loses cool, screams and gives DEATH STARE to his CSK teammate - Watch INDIA SQUAD FOR WTC FINAL Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.

Ajinkya Rahane has monk-like attitude, good call to pick him for WTC final: Former India chief selector

Ajinkya Rahane is recalled to the India squad for the World Test Championship Final against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav misses out while KL Rahul is retained. Is Rahane's selection justified?

Ajinkya Rahane returns to India squad for WTC final | WION Sports Extra

<p>Ajinkya Rahane’s unbelievable 71 from 29 balls and fifties from the left-handed pair of Devon Conway and Shivam Dube in the first innings helped CSK post the biggest-ever total (235 for four) at the Eden Gardens in IPL. Twin wickets each from seamer Tushar Deshpande and spinner Maheesh Theekshana ensured the touring side is walking away with a 49-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders.</p>

<p>After being asked to bat first, Chennai openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and in-form Devon Conway began unleashing boundaries inside the Powerplay and put pressure on KKR straightaway. Gaikwad’s wicket brought the game-changer for the night, Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, who then joined hands with Conway and broke KKR bowling’s back with an array of shots.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-mohammed-siraj-clean-bowls-jos-buttler-with-a-jaffa-in-rcb-vs-rr-watch-585398">IPL 2023: Mohammed Siraj clean bowls Jos Buttler with a jaffa in RCB vs RR - WATCH</a></p>

<p>While Conway departed after completing his fifty, Rahane didn’t put brakes and kept scoring at will. Shivam Dube, who also enjoyed batting in IPL 2023, took the attack to the opposition as the pair put KKR’s back against the wall.</p>

<p>With so many boundaries and a few fifties, CSK innings were making headlines with each passing over, but what caught everyone's attention was Rahane’s superb knock of 71 from 29 balls, which included six fours and five sixes – at a strike rate of 244.83.</p>

<p>Thanks to an unmatched level of hitting, CSK posed the highest-ever total at the venue – 235 for four.</p>

<p>KKR, in the reply, lost two wickets inside the first two overs and already looked terrified of what happened earlier. Though Venkatesh Iyer and Captain Nitish Rana tried to save the sinking ship, the pressure of the massive target was so much that eventually, they crumbled under it.</p>

<p>Jason Roy and Rinku Singh were two players who could cross the fifty run-mark but still couldn’t prevent the inevitable, as the hosts lost the match by 49 runs.</p>

<p>With this win, CSK won its third straight match, while KKR lost its fourth game on the trot. Chennai is now leading the points chart with five wins in seven games.</p>

<p>They next face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 27th.&nbsp;</p>


Ajinkya Rahane’s unbelievable 71 from 29 balls and fifties from the left-handed pair of Devon Conway and Shivam Dube in the first innings helped CSK post the biggest-ever total (235 for four) at the Eden Gardens in IPL.

Ajinkya Rahane’s unbelievable 71 from 29 balls and fifties from the left-handed pair of Devon Conway and Shivam Dube in the first innings helped CSK post the biggest-ever total (235 for four) at the Eden Gardens in IPL. Twin wickets each from seamer Tushar Deshpande and spinner Maheesh Theekshana ensured the touring side is walking away with a 49-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders. After being asked to bat first, Chennai openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and in-form Devon Conway began unleashing boundaries inside the Powerplay and put pressure on KKR straightaway. Gaikwad’s wicket brought the game-changer for the night, Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, who then joined hands with Conway and broke KKR bowling’s back with an array of shots. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Mohammed Siraj clean bowls Jos Buttler with a jaffa in RCB vs RR - WATCH While Conway departed after completing his fifty, Rahane didn’t put brakes and kept scoring at will. Shivam Dube, who also enjoyed batting in IPL 2023, took the attack to the opposition as the pair put KKR’s back against the wall. With so many boundaries and a few fifties, CSK innings were making headlines with each passing over, but what caught everyone's attention was Rahane’s superb knock of 71 from 29 balls, which included six fours and five sixes – at a strike rate of 244.83. Thanks to an unmatched level of hitting, CSK posed the highest-ever total at the venue – 235 for four. KKR, in the reply, lost two wickets inside the first two overs and already looked terrified of what happened earlier. Though Venkatesh Iyer and Captain Nitish Rana tried to save the sinking ship, the pressure of the massive target was so much that eventually, they crumbled under it. Jason Roy and Rinku Singh were two players who could cross the fifty run-mark but still couldn’t prevent the inevitable, as the hosts lost the match by 49 runs. With this win, CSK won its third straight match, while KKR lost its fourth game on the trot. Chennai is now leading the points chart with five wins in seven games. They next face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 27th.

IPL 2023: Ajinkya Rahane masterclass stuns KKR as CSK win by 49 runs, maintain winning streak

<p>Chennai Super Kings batsman Ajinkya Rahane has turned heads with his form this season. On Sunday against KKR, Rahane tore apart Kolkata bowling as he smashed 71 not out off just 29 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. The right-hand batsman credits his batting to clear mindset but says that his best is yet to come.</p>

<p>"Just a clear mindset and nothing else. If that's right, you can do anything and so just wanted to keep my mind clear. The prep before the season was very good. Ball was stopping and the pitch was a little sticky, but the outfield was fast and one side was small. Ruturaj batted very well and I just wanted to be positive. I enjoyed all the knocks this season and I feel my best is yet to come. Great learning to play under MS. Played under him at India and playing under him at CSK for the first time. Whatever he says, you listen," said Rahane at the post match presentation.</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-mohammed-siraj-clean-bowls-jos-buttler-with-a-jaffa-in-rcb-vs-rr-watch-585398">Mohammed Siraj clean bowls Jos Buttler with a jaffa in RCB vs RR</a></p>

<p>Rahane came into bat at number three after Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed on a peach of a delivery by KKR spinner Suyash Sharma. The batsman added 36 runs for the second with Devon Conway, who scored a brilliant 40-ball 56. After Conway's dismissal, Rahane joined forces with Shivam Dube and the duo added 85 runs in 32 balls.</p>

<p>Dube was eventually dismissed for a 21-ball 50 but Rahane carried on, adding 38 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who played a cameo of 8-ball 18, in just 11 balls. Thanks to Rahane's blistering innings, CSK posted their highest ever score of 235/4 in 20 overs. Have a look at some of his sixes here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔥 We are using 'Ridiculous' and 'Rahane' in one sentence... who would have thunk!? 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvCSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioCinema?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioCinema</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2023</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> <a href="https://t.co/zXhhtfIFlv">pic.twitter.com/zXhhtfIFlv</a></p>
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema/status/1650170519159971841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💥💥Ajju ruling from West to East🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvCSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁<a href="https://t.co/dpr2C4tfEi">pic.twitter.com/dpr2C4tfEi</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1650170443146330114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was Rahane's second fifty of the season after scoring 61 off 27 in his first match of the season against Mumbai Indians. Rahane has scored 209 runs this season so far with two fifties and at a mind-numbing strike rate of 199. He also has an average of 52.25 this season.</p>

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Chennai Super Kings batsman Ajinkya Rahane has turned heads with his form this season. On Sunday against KKR, Rahane tore apart Kolkata bowling as he smashed 71 not out off just 29 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes.

Chennai Super Kings batsman Ajinkya Rahane has turned heads with his form this season. On Sunday against KKR, Rahane tore apart Kolkata bowling as he smashed 71 not out off just 29 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. The right-hand batsman credits his batting to clear mindset but says that his best is yet to come. "Just a clear mindset and nothing else. If that's right, you can do anything and so just wanted to keep my mind clear. The prep before the season was very good. Ball was stopping and the pitch was a little sticky, but the outfield was fast and one side was small. Ruturaj batted very well and I just wanted to be positive. I enjoyed all the knocks this season and I feel my best is yet to come. Great learning to play under MS. Played under him at India and playing under him at CSK for the first time. Whatever he says, you listen," said Rahane at the post match presentation. Also Watch: Mohammed Siraj clean bowls Jos Buttler with a jaffa in RCB vs RR Rahane came into bat at number three after Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed on a peach of a delivery by KKR spinner Suyash Sharma. The batsman added 36 runs for the second with Devon Conway, who scored a brilliant 40-ball 56. After Conway's dismissal, Rahane joined forces with Shivam Dube and the duo added 85 runs in 32 balls. Dube was eventually dismissed for a 21-ball 50 but Rahane carried on, adding 38 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who played a cameo of 8-ball 18, in just 11 balls. Thanks to Rahane's blistering innings, CSK posted their highest ever score of 235/4 in 20 overs. Have a look at some of his sixes here: 🔥 We are using 'Ridiculous' and 'Rahane' in one sentence... who would have thunk!? 🤯#KKRvCSK #IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #IPL2023 | @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/zXhhtfIFlv — JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 23, 2023 × 💥💥Ajju ruling from West to East🙌#KKRvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁pic.twitter.com/dpr2C4tfEi — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 23, 2023 × This was Rahane's second fifty of the season after scoring 61 off 27 in his first match of the season against Mumbai Indians. Rahane has scored 209 runs this season so far with two fifties and at a mind-numbing strike rate of 199. He also has an average of 52.25 this season. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: 'Best yet to come,' says CSK's Ajinkya Rahane after 29-ball 71 against KKR

<p>KL Rahul has come under scrutiny following his unimpressive knocks in IPL 2023, more so for not showing intent and playing at a strike rate, which is questionable for an opener in this format. On the other hand, out of favour Test veteran Ajinkya Rahane has found form at the right time. Against KKR at Eden Gardens, the 34-year-old slammed a 29-ball 71, which included six fours and five sixes, striking at 244.83.</p>

<p>While Rahane’s innings earned him praises, the fans, even the former cricketers, have come out and bashed Rahul for not delivering to his potential. Earlier, former India seamer Venkatesh Prasad blasted KL Rahul for not showing any intent during the Border-Gavaskar series, after which he got dropped, and Gill got picked; this, however, didn’t end here as Prasad again tweeted about Rahul’s inability to strike at a quicker rate in the Powerplay overs after Lucknow Super Giant bottled a chase against Gujarat Titans despite being in a winning position for the most part of second innings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bottling a run chase when 30 needed of 35 balls with 9 wickets in hand requires some baffling batting. Happened with Punjab in 2020 on few ocassions losing games they should have won easily. As brilliant as Guj were with ball &amp; Hardik smart with his captaincy, brainless from Lko</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1649770956490182657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-best-yet-to-come-says-csks-ajinkya-rahane-after-29-ball-71-against-kkr-watch-585549">IPL 2023: 'Best yet to come,' says CSK's Ajinkya Rahane after 29-ball 71 against KKR</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, after Rahane produced the innings of the IPL 2023 the other night, social media went crazy and showered praises on him, which also included another former</p>

<p>India pacer Dodda Ganesh. While Ganesh wrote that if a batter shows intent, he can achieve anything, he took a sly dig at Rahul, adding if only KL could understand this.</p>

<p>He tweeted, “Rahane 👏🏻 he has shown that with intent you can do wonders. If only KL Rahul understood this 😃 #IPL2023”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahane 👏🏻 he has shown that with intent you can do wonders. If only KL Rahul understood this 😃 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2023</a></p>
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/doddaganesha/status/1650159471929466881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, against Rajasthan Royals and GT, Rahul played two back-to-back first-over maidens, attaining an unwanted record to his name. Opening alongside Kyle Mayers, who is turning heads with his run of form, KL has struggled to do the same, though he is among runs. Versus Rajasthan, he scored a 32-ball 39, while against Gujarat, he scored a fifty (68 off 61 balls) but couldn’t help his team cross the line.</p>

<p>Elsewhere, CSK has unearthed a new version of Rahane, who has scored 209 runs in five matches at an average of 52.25 and a whopping strike-rate of 199.05.</p>


KL Rahul has come under scrutiny following his unimpressive knocks in IPL 2023, more so for not showing intent and playing at a strike rate, which is questionable for an opener in this format.

KL Rahul has come under scrutiny following his unimpressive knocks in IPL 2023, more so for not showing intent and playing at a strike rate, which is questionable for an opener in this format. On the other hand, out of favour Test veteran Ajinkya Rahane has found form at the right time. Against KKR at Eden Gardens, the 34-year-old slammed a 29-ball 71, which included six fours and five sixes, striking at 244.83. While Rahane’s innings earned him praises, the fans, even the former cricketers, have come out and bashed Rahul for not delivering to his potential. Earlier, former India seamer Venkatesh Prasad blasted KL Rahul for not showing any intent during the Border-Gavaskar series, after which he got dropped, and Gill got picked; this, however, didn’t end here as Prasad again tweeted about Rahul’s inability to strike at a quicker rate in the Powerplay overs after Lucknow Super Giant bottled a chase against Gujarat Titans despite being in a winning position for the most part of second innings. Bottling a run chase when 30 needed of 35 balls with 9 wickets in hand requires some baffling batting. Happened with Punjab in 2020 on few ocassions losing games they should have won easily. As brilliant as Guj were with ball & Hardik smart with his captaincy, brainless from Lko — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 22, 2023 × ALSO READ: IPL 2023: 'Best yet to come,' says CSK's Ajinkya Rahane after 29-ball 71 against KKR Meanwhile, after Rahane produced the innings of the IPL 2023 the other night, social media went crazy and showered praises on him, which also included another former India pacer Dodda Ganesh. While Ganesh wrote that if a batter shows intent, he can achieve anything, he took a sly dig at Rahul, adding if only KL could understand this. He tweeted, “Rahane 👏🏻 he has shown that with intent you can do wonders. If only KL Rahul understood this 😃 #IPL2023” Rahane 👏🏻 he has shown that with intent you can do wonders. If only KL Rahul understood this 😃 #IPL2023 — Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) April 23, 2023 × Earlier, against Rajasthan Royals and GT, Rahul played two back-to-back first-over maidens, attaining an unwanted record to his name. Opening alongside Kyle Mayers, who is turning heads with his run of form, KL has struggled to do the same, though he is among runs. Versus Rajasthan, he scored a 32-ball 39, while against Gujarat, he scored a fifty (68 off 61 balls) but couldn’t help his team cross the line. Elsewhere, CSK has unearthed a new version of Rahane, who has scored 209 runs in five matches at an average of 52.25 and a whopping strike-rate of 199.05.

IPL 2023: After Venkatesh Prasad, another ex-seamer bashes KL Rahul for not showing intent, praises Rahane

<p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out nail-biting contests with each passing day. The ongoing season has already become a hit and is on course for more success before its conclusion on May 28. Soon after the end of IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma-led Team India will reassemble and leave for the United Kingdom to lock horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2021-23 cycle.</p>

<p>After missing out on winning the inaugural WTC cycle, and losing to New Zealand in 2021, India will hope to make the most of this opportunity and&nbsp;end their 10-year-long ICC-title drought. While Indian players have been asked to manage their workload efficiently in IPL 2023, there have already been some injury concerns ahead of the WTC summit clash, on June 07 at The Oval, London. While Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant have already been ruled out, Shreyas Iyer is also out of contention.</p>

<p>With Iyer's back injury resurfacing during India-Australia home Tests, he is out of IPL 2023 and will also miss the high-voltage WTC clash. Thus, India have some tough calls to&nbsp;smartly pack their middle order for the marquee clash, keeping the English conditions in mind.</p>

<p>Many experts have chipped in the idea of KL Rahul to open with Rohit as the duo was a successful pair during India's four Tests in England in the 2021 English summer. However, Rahul's low returns -- in Australia Tests and IPL 2023 so far -- aren't unknown. If&nbsp;the team management still persists&nbsp;with Rahul-Rohit as their openers, this could drop in-form batter Shubman Gill at No. 5 (an alien spot for him);&nbsp;filling in for Iyer. Nonetheless, Ajinkya Rahane's two good outings for his new franchise, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL season have led to many ardent Indian cricket fans and former cricketers suggesting his inclusion.</p>

<p><strong>Rahane for WTC final?</strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that Rahane has made scores of 61 (27) and 31 (19), striking at over 200 (225.92) and 150 (163.15) respectively, so far in his two innings for CSK. While many can say that IPL isn't an ideal platform for any batter's&nbsp;return in Tests, that too after two-long years, Rahane has had a good domestic run as well.</p>

<p>Rahane scored 634 runs (with a best of 204)&nbsp;in seven matches, at an average of&nbsp;57.63, with a hundred and two fifties for Mumbai in the 2022/23 Ranji Trophy season. While he could have gone for a County stint (like Cheteshwar Pujara), rather than plying his trade in the IPL, a dearth of middle-order batters with Iyer and Pant's injury has brightened the chances for Rahane.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-it-comes-to-carrying-water-or-helping-out-someone-hes-such-a-team-man-ravi-shastri-hails-csk-batter-581710">'If it comes to carrying water or helping out someone, he's such a team man': Ravi Shastri hails CSK batter</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>What are the numbers for Rahane?</strong></p>

<p>Now, let's focus on Rahane's numbers in Tests, particularly in England. The right-hander has scored 4,931 Test runs in 82 Tests, with 12 hundreds and 25 half-centuries. In England, he has amassed 729 runs in 15 Tests, at a woeful average of 26.03, with a solitary hundred and five fifties. He has two memorable knocks in English conditions; 103 (Lord's Test, 2014) and 81 (Trent Bridge, 2018).</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rahane has a total of 1,090 runs versus Australia at an average of 37.58 with two centuries and five half-centuries (only one at home). In addition, he has scored&nbsp;884 of those in Australia, which includes both his tons.</p>

<p>Above all, it is Rahane's experience that the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team will bank up on if he earns a recall. A stage as big as a WTC final and an opposition as formidable as Pat Cummins-led Australia (against whom he scored his last ton -- a memorable 112)&nbsp;can perfectly motivate a senior pro like Rahane.</p>

<p>Given, Rahane has already tasted failure with the Virat Kohli-led Indian side in the inaugural WTC final, where he scored 49 and 15, the 34-year-old will be highly charged in possibly his last ICC final. In the twilight of his career, it goes without saying that the Mumbaikar will be desperate to make the most of any chance presented to him.</p>

<p><strong>Fire to perform is still burning strong!</strong></p>

<p>After his spirited 27-ball 61 in CSK debut, versus Mumbai Indians (MI), at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai,&nbsp;a determined Rahane subtly reminded the critics that it is still early to write him off. At the post-match presentation, he said, "I was just told to focus on my strengths and focus on preparation. I love playing at the Wankhede, I know the ground well. Have not played a Test here, yet." He even smiled when on-air commentators praised his usage of 'yet'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, at the post-match presser, he stated, "Still, a long way to go [WTC final]. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven, (and) got to know just before the toss. For me, it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment. "Anything can happen. I will never give up. For me it is about playing with enjoyment and passion," Rahane added.</p>

<p>For now, Rahane needs to continue to tick the basics and add runs for CSK. If he continues in the same manner, the batting maestro -- and also a highly acclaimed slip fielder --&nbsp;might be in India's scheme of things&nbsp;to star in the playing XI for the WTC final.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out nail-biting contests with each passing day. The ongoing season has already become a hit and is on course for more success before its conclusion on May 28.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out nail-biting contests with each passing day. The ongoing season has already become a hit and is on course for more success before its conclusion on May 28. Soon after the end of IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma-led Team India will reassemble and leave for the United Kingdom to lock horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2021-23 cycle. After missing out on winning the inaugural WTC cycle, and losing to New Zealand in 2021, India will hope to make the most of this opportunity and end their 10-year-long ICC-title drought. While Indian players have been asked to manage their workload efficiently in IPL 2023, there have already been some injury concerns ahead of the WTC summit clash, on June 07 at The Oval, London. While Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant have already been ruled out, Shreyas Iyer is also out of contention. With Iyer's back injury resurfacing during India-Australia home Tests, he is out of IPL 2023 and will also miss the high-voltage WTC clash. Thus, India have some tough calls to smartly pack their middle order for the marquee clash, keeping the English conditions in mind. Many experts have chipped in the idea of KL Rahul to open with Rohit as the duo was a successful pair during India's four Tests in England in the 2021 English summer. However, Rahul's low returns -- in Australia Tests and IPL 2023 so far -- aren't unknown. If the team management still persists with Rahul-Rohit as their openers, this could drop in-form batter Shubman Gill at No. 5 (an alien spot for him); filling in for Iyer. Nonetheless, Ajinkya Rahane's two good outings for his new franchise, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL season have led to many ardent Indian cricket fans and former cricketers suggesting his inclusion. Rahane for WTC final? It is to be noted that Rahane has made scores of 61 (27) and 31 (19), striking at over 200 (225.92) and 150 (163.15) respectively, so far in his two innings for CSK. While many can say that IPL isn't an ideal platform for any batter's return in Tests, that too after two-long years, Rahane has had a good domestic run as well. Rahane scored 634 runs (with a best of 204) in seven matches, at an average of 57.63, with a hundred and two fifties for Mumbai in the 2022/23 Ranji Trophy season. While he could have gone for a County stint (like Cheteshwar Pujara), rather than plying his trade in the IPL, a dearth of middle-order batters with Iyer and Pant's injury has brightened the chances for Rahane. Also Read: 'If it comes to carrying water or helping out someone, he's such a team man': Ravi Shastri hails CSK batter What are the numbers for Rahane? Now, let's focus on Rahane's numbers in Tests, particularly in England. The right-hander has scored 4,931 Test runs in 82 Tests, with 12 hundreds and 25 half-centuries. In England, he has amassed 729 runs in 15 Tests, at a woeful average of 26.03, with a solitary hundred and five fifties. He has two memorable knocks in English conditions; 103 (Lord's Test, 2014) and 81 (Trent Bridge, 2018). Meanwhile, Rahane has a total of 1,090 runs versus Australia at an average of 37.58 with two centuries and five half-centuries (only one at home). In addition, he has scored 884 of those in Australia, which includes both his tons. Above all, it is Rahane's experience that the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team will bank up on if he earns a recall. A stage as big as a WTC final and an opposition as formidable as Pat Cummins-led Australia (against whom he scored his last ton -- a memorable 112) can perfectly motivate a senior pro like Rahane. Given, Rahane has already tasted failure with the Virat Kohli-led Indian side in the inaugural WTC final, where he scored 49 and 15, the 34-year-old will be highly charged in possibly his last ICC final. In the twilight of his career, it goes without saying that the Mumbaikar will be desperate to make the most of any chance presented to him. Fire to perform is still burning strong! After his spirited 27-ball 61 in CSK debut, versus Mumbai Indians (MI), at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, a determined Rahane subtly reminded the critics that it is still early to write him off. At the post-match presentation, he said, "I was just told to focus on my strengths and focus on preparation. I love playing at the Wankhede, I know the ground well. Have not played a Test here, yet." He even smiled when on-air commentators praised his usage of 'yet'. Later, at the post-match presser, he stated, "Still, a long way to go [WTC final]. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven, (and) got to know just before the toss. For me, it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment. "Anything can happen. I will never give up. For me it is about playing with enjoyment and passion," Rahane added. For now, Rahane needs to continue to tick the basics and add runs for CSK. If he continues in the same manner, the batting maestro -- and also a highly acclaimed slip fielder -- might be in India's scheme of things to star in the playing XI for the WTC final. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Why Team India may turn back to Ajinkya Rahane for WTC final

<p>Ajinkya Rahane debuted for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Yellow Army's face-off versus Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 12 of the IPL 2023 edition, on April 08. With Moeen Ali ruled out for being unwell, Rahane joined CSK's playing XI and made a solid start for MS Dhoni &amp; Co. Chasing 158, CSK lost opener Devon Conway for duck but Rahane walked out at No. 3 and played a sublime 27-ball 61, laced with 7 fours and 3 sixes, to set the foundation for Chennai's seven-wicket win at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane looked at his fluent best from the word go on his CSK debut. After his knock, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri hailed Rahane and called him an ideal team man. The former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator has closely worked with the former Indian Test vice-captain, during his coaching stint with the national side, and lavished Rahane's work ethics and willingness to perform any role for the team.</p>

<p>“I loved Ajinkya Rahane's innings. He was our captain in Australia, where I saw one of the greatest overseas hundreds by an Indian player. That will go right up with the very best, simply because of where India were at the start of the innings. He had taken over as captain, we were 36 all-out. On Boxing Day , to play like that, was fantastic,” Shastri told&nbsp;<i>ESPNCricinfo.</i></p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-sunil-gavaskar-hopes-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-promotes-himself-in-batting-order-581677"><strong>IPL 2023: Sunil Gavaskar hopes CSK skipper MS Dhoni 'promotes himself' in batting order</strong></a></p>

<p>“The timing, it was the purity of the innings was a treat to the eyes (against MI). Lovely shots, I'm glad for him. He's such a team man. He's captained India, whichever franchise or team he plays for, he might not be captain but you can be rest assured, you won't get a better team man. Even if it comes to carrying water, or in dressing room, helping out someone. He's a top-class example of the way the game should be played,” Shastri further asserted.</p>

<p>Rahane-starrer CSK host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match 17 of the IPL 2023 edition on Wednesday evening (April 12) in Chennai. They have so far won twice and lost a game in three encounters and occupy the fifth spot in the overall standings.&nbsp;</p>


Ajinkya Rahane debuted for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Yellow Army's face-off versus Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 12 of the IPL 2023 edition, on April 08.

Ajinkya Rahane debuted for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Yellow Army's face-off versus Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 12 of the IPL 2023 edition, on April 08. With Moeen Ali ruled out for being unwell, Rahane joined CSK's playing XI and made a solid start for MS Dhoni & Co. Chasing 158, CSK lost opener Devon Conway for duck but Rahane walked out at No. 3 and played a sublime 27-ball 61, laced with 7 fours and 3 sixes, to set the foundation for Chennai's seven-wicket win at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Rahane looked at his fluent best from the word go on his CSK debut. After his knock, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri hailed Rahane and called him an ideal team man. The former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator has closely worked with the former Indian Test vice-captain, during his coaching stint with the national side, and lavished Rahane's work ethics and willingness to perform any role for the team. “I loved Ajinkya Rahane's innings. He was our captain in Australia, where I saw one of the greatest overseas hundreds by an Indian player. That will go right up with the very best, simply because of where India were at the start of the innings. He had taken over as captain, we were 36 all-out. On Boxing Day , to play like that, was fantastic,” Shastri told ESPNCricinfo. Also Read: IPL 2023: Sunil Gavaskar hopes CSK skipper MS Dhoni 'promotes himself' in batting order “The timing, it was the purity of the innings was a treat to the eyes (against MI). Lovely shots, I'm glad for him. He's such a team man. He's captained India, whichever franchise or team he plays for, he might not be captain but you can be rest assured, you won't get a better team man. Even if it comes to carrying water, or in dressing room, helping out someone. He's a top-class example of the way the game should be played,” Shastri further asserted. Rahane-starrer CSK host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match 17 of the IPL 2023 edition on Wednesday evening (April 12) in Chennai. They have so far won twice and lost a game in three encounters and occupy the fifth spot in the overall standings.

'If it comes to carrying water or helping out someone, he's such a team man': Ravi Shastri hails CSK batter

<p>Chennai Super Kings drubbed aside Mumbai Indians at Wankhede by seven wickets on Saturday, April 8 for the second win of the season. For CSK, Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane were the stars with bowl and bat respectively as Chennai chased the target of 158 runs in just 18.1 overs.</p>

<p>Rahane, who played his first game for CSK, came out to bat in swashbuckling manner as he smashed a 19-ball fifty - the fastest in the IPL 2023, after Chennai lost the first wicket early.</p>

<p>Speaking to Player-of-the-Match Ravindra Jadeja after the match, Rahane said "his preparations were good and he had had a good domestic season in both white and red-ball cricket coming into the IPL," when asked by Jadeja about how he prepared for the blistering knock.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-ravindra-jadeja-grabs-a-stunner-off-his-own-bowling-to-dismiss-cameron-green-watch-video-580498">Ravindra Jadeja grabs a ONE-HANDED stunner off his own bowling to dismiss Cameron Green</a></p>

<p>Rahane further added that he felt happy after CSK bid for him and it's always great to play under Dhoni. Rahane also mentioned CSK coach Stephen Fleming and said that the former Kiwi skipper gives players a lot of freedom to express.</p>

<p>The video of the conversation between the duo was shared by the IPL's official twitter handle. In the video, Rahane also asks Jadeja, who took a blinder of a catch to dismiss Cameroon Green, about how he prepares for fielding which is top class in every format.</p>

<p>Jadeja, in response to Rahane's question, said, "I am good at anticipating the ball and thinking that the batsman could hit ball here or there and set myself accordingly. This anticipation gives me 1-2 seconds extra to react." Have a look at the conversation here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From a glittering first game in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> colours 💛 to the secret ingredient behind Jadeja's stunning catches 😎<br />
<br />
Match-winners <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imjadeja</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> sum up a delightful Wankhede win 👌👌 - By <a href="https://twitter.com/Moulinparikh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Moulinparikh</a><br />
<br />
Full Interview 🎥🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/GPltQkGaza">https://t.co/GPltQkGaza</a> <a href="https://t.co/9nl9cmvPGz">pic.twitter.com/9nl9cmvPGz</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1644942272407171072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Notably, Jadeja picked three wickets for 3/20 in four overs and Rahane scored 61 off 27 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes as Chennai notched up two points against MI.</p>

<p>Mumbai, on the other hand, are yet to open their account after losing second match on the trot. Prior to CSK, MI had lost to Faf du Plessis-led RCB by eight wickets in their first game of the season.</p>

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Chennai Super Kings drubbed aside Mumbai Indians at Wankhede by seven wickets on Saturday, April 8 for the second win of the season. For CSK, Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane were the stars with bowl and bat respectively as Chennai chased the target of 158 runs in just 18.

Chennai Super Kings drubbed aside Mumbai Indians at Wankhede by seven wickets on Saturday, April 8 for the second win of the season. For CSK, Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane were the stars with bowl and bat respectively as Chennai chased the target of 158 runs in just 18.1 overs. Rahane, who played his first game for CSK, came out to bat in swashbuckling manner as he smashed a 19-ball fifty - the fastest in the IPL 2023, after Chennai lost the first wicket early. Speaking to Player-of-the-Match Ravindra Jadeja after the match, Rahane said "his preparations were good and he had had a good domestic season in both white and red-ball cricket coming into the IPL," when asked by Jadeja about how he prepared for the blistering knock. Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja grabs a ONE-HANDED stunner off his own bowling to dismiss Cameron Green Rahane further added that he felt happy after CSK bid for him and it's always great to play under Dhoni. Rahane also mentioned CSK coach Stephen Fleming and said that the former Kiwi skipper gives players a lot of freedom to express. The video of the conversation between the duo was shared by the IPL's official twitter handle. In the video, Rahane also asks Jadeja, who took a blinder of a catch to dismiss Cameroon Green, about how he prepares for fielding which is top class in every format. Jadeja, in response to Rahane's question, said, "I am good at anticipating the ball and thinking that the batsman could hit ball here or there and set myself accordingly. This anticipation gives me 1-2 seconds extra to react." Have a look at the conversation here: From a glittering first game in #CSK colours 💛 to the secret ingredient behind Jadeja's stunning catches 😎 Match-winners @imjadeja & @ajinkyarahane88 sum up a delightful Wankhede win 👌👌 - By @Moulinparikh Full Interview 🎥🔽 #TATAIPL | #MIvCSK https://t.co/GPltQkGaza pic.twitter.com/9nl9cmvPGz — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2023 × Notably, Jadeja picked three wickets for 3/20 in four overs and Rahane scored 61 off 27 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes as Chennai notched up two points against MI. Mumbai, on the other hand, are yet to open their account after losing second match on the trot. Prior to CSK, MI had lost to Faf du Plessis-led RCB by eight wickets in their first game of the season. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: CSK stars Jadeja and Rahane REVEAL secrets behind impactful performance vs MI - WATCH

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