Kanpur, First Published Nov 29, 2021, 10:30 PM IST
Kanpur: Coach Rahul Dravid backs Ajinkya Rahane, who failed to shine in the first Test against New Zealand (IND v NZ). Rahane was out for 35 in the first innings and four in the second innings of the Kanpur Test. Rahane’s batting average is below 20 in the 12 Tests he has played this year. In a press conference, Dravid reacted to reports that Rahane, who captained India in the first Test, would be dropped when captain Virat Kohli returns in the second Test.
Rahane is a quality player. He has played for India many times before. An experienced player like him can return to form at any time. He knows it and we know it, ”Dravid said.
Will Iyer be out of Mumbai Tests?
Dravid also questioned whether Shreas Iyer, who scored a century in the first Test, would be dropped to keep Rahane back when Virat Kohli returns in the second Test. The matter of the playing XI for the next Test is yet to be decided. It is not right to talk about it now. Today the focus was only on this game. After arriving in Mumbai for the next Test, the decision will be taken in consultation with captain Virat Kohli after considering the fitness and form of the players.
Dravid praises Iyer
At the same time, Dravid did not forget to praise Iyer for his performance in the first Test. Dravid said Iyer’s performance in the first Test was a testament to the excellence of Indian cricket and that Iyer made his debut for India after a stellar performance for India A and Mumbai.
If all the players on the team were perfectly fit Iyer probably would not have got the chance. But when the opportunity arose, he accepted it with open arms. Although he has not played first-class cricket for the past three years, Dravid said Iyer is an average player above 50 in first-class cricket.
Last Updated Nov 29, 2021, 10:30 PM IST
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