5 things that showed Ajinkya Rahane can be a great bet as a captain
When the news broke out that captain Virat Kohli would be forced to sit out of the fourth and final Test match against Australia, the fans of the Indian cricket team were clenching their teeth in nervousness. Not only would they miss the best batsman in the world, but also a brilliant aggressive captain who can take the attack to the Aussies.
When Lokesh Rahul had stroked the ball through the midwicket region for the winning runs, those nervous clenchings were transformed to wide smiles. Not only had the Indian team proved that they can win without their top batsman, but also they had shown that there is an equally able captain who, although not exactly cut out from the same cloth as Kohli, can stand in for him when needed.
Ajinkya Rahane drew immense praise from many former cricketers and pundits alike for his exemplary captaincy.
Here, we list five things from the Test match in Dharamsala that prove that Rahane can be a great bet as a captain.
#5 Awareness on the field
One of the most underrated qualities of a good captain in cricket is his ability to read the game and to be in the know of everything. This is one aspect in which, I believe, Rahane should get full marks.
Even before the match had started, Rahane had done his homework and knew what the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition as well as his own side were. Through the course of the match, Rahane always appeared in control of everything.
He did not simply use the DRS just for the sake of it and only assorted to it when he was a hundred percent sure. In fact, during Australia’s first innings not a single review was taken by Rahane (and it was not because it was unavailable but simply because there was no need).
It was his awareness on the field that helped him take so many crucial decisions and, in turn, helped India take home the series.