Ajinkya Rahane optimistic of featuring in the 2019 World Cup

Rahane is currently out of India’s limited-overs set-up.

Ajinkya Rahane | Getty

Ajinkya Rahane, who averages 35.26 in ODI cricket despite playing at various batting positions, is currently out of India’s limited-overs set-up. Given that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have sealed the opening spot in the 50-over format, things look rather bleak for Rahane for the next year’s World Cup in England.

However, Rahane being an eternal optimist hasn’t lost the hope yet. The Test vice-captain is confident of making it to the national squad for the 2019 World Cup with the help of consistent domestic performances.

Recently, Rahane led India C to a title triumph in the Deodhar Trophy, He played a captain’s knock in the summit clash, slamming a brilliant 148* against India B to help his side clinch the trophy.

“I am confident of making a comeback and I am confident of playing the World Cup. That is why I played domestic cricket because it helped me and I am sure I will bounce back,” Rahane was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

With Ambati Rayudu solving India's long-persisting No. 4 conundrum, Rahane looks unlikely to make a comeback. India have only a handful of ODI games left ahead of the World Cup and Rahane has not been picked in the limited-overs squad for the upcoming series against Australia after being left out for the limited overs series against England followed by Asia Cup and the recently-concluded series against West Indies.

As far as Ajinkya Rahane’s ODI stats are concerned – the right-hander has played 90 ODIs for India, scoring 2962 runs at an average of 35.26 and a strike rate of 78.63.

There is no doubt that Rahane hasn’t proved his mettle in the 50-over format as compared to his Test credentials but the major rationale behind this is his uncertain batting position. While the Mumbaikar has opened in 54 innings for India, he has batted at No. 3 in 5 innings, at No. 4 in 25 innings, at No. 6 in 1 innings and at No. 7 in 2 innings.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 04 Nov, 2018

    Share Via