Rahane has been re-appointed as the vice-captain of the Test team after his successful comeback in the WTC final.
While leading Mumbai, Rahane had an impressive Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, amassing 634 runs from seven games at an average of 57.63. He also played a key role in CSK’s triumphant IPL 2023 campaign, hitting 326 runs from 11 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.48 with two half-centuries.
Subsequently, Rahane was recalled to the Test team for the WTC 2023 final against Australia and he registered scores of 89 and 46 in the marquee clash at The Oval last month.
As expected, Rahane retained his place in the Test side for the West Indies tour. In a surprising move, however, he was also handed the vice-captaincy of the team.
Despite him being named the deputy, Ajinkya Rahane's place in the team isn't cemented, feels former India opener Aakash Chopra.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: "Ajinkya Rahane - it is an intriguing story. He was out of the team for 18 months and suddenly you do well in the World Test Championship final and you become the vice-captain of the side. But does that mean his place is secured?"
"No, he was the vice-captain once earlier as well when Kohli was the captain. It was in South Africa and he was dropped in the first Test. So I don't think his place is cemented. I feel he will have to score runs. He will be able to save his place if he scores runs or else the vice-captaincy tag will not be of much use."
Meanwhile, Rahane has said that he has worked a lot on himself and is keen to perform for India without thinking about the future.
"I had a good IPL and domestic season. I have grown in confidence as a batter but in the past one and half year I have also worked a lot on my fitness. I have worked on few aspects of my batting. At the moment I am enjoying my cricket. I am not thinking too much about the future. For now every match is important for me," Rahane said while addressing the media ahead of the first Test.
The two-match Test series between India and West Indies is slated to get underway on July 12 in Dominica.