Former WC Winner Backs Ajinkya Rahane To Prove His Worth in WTC Final

image-lgyv68hzRahane in action against SA in 2022 (Twitter)

Ajinkya Rahane has been called back into the Indian Test team for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. The cricketer has not featured in a Test match since India's series defeat in South Africa back in January 2022. 

After the snub, the senior batter returned back to his domestic roots by playing first-class cricket for Mumbai. While he regained his lost touch to some extent in the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy tournament, the 34-year-old surprised one-and-all with his explosive ball-striking this IPL 2023 season.

Rahane's callback into the Test side comes in place of Shreyas Iyer, who sustained an injury on his lower back during Australia's tour of India earlier this year.

Harbhajan Singh justifies Rahane’s selection

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his full confidence in Ajinkya Rahane's return to the national Test team. The cricketer-turned-commentator praised the 82-Test veteran for his batting technique and leadership skills.

Notably, Rahane led an injury-ravaged Indian team to a historic series win in Australia in 2020-21.

Singh, while speaking on his YouTube channel, said:

"Ajinkya Rahane has captained India in so many matches and is a brilliant player as well. He has great technique. I feel the decision has been taken keeping in mind his present form and hence has been recalled because Shreyas Iyer is still not part of the team,

"And with Iyer absent, it serves as an opportunity for Rahane and it’s a big match. He is a big player as well and I hope he gives a big performance to justify the selection."

The WTC final is set to be played between June 7 and June 11 at The Oval in London.