Why Ajinkya Rahane Was Left Out for the 2019 Cricket World Cup Squad

Introduction

The decision to leave Ajinkya Rahane out of the 2019 ODI World Cup squad has been a topic of much debate. Despite a positive track record as a middle-order batsman, Rahane's form took a downturn during the crucial South Africa series in 2018, leading to his omission. However, the underlying reasons for his exclusion extend beyond just poor performance.

The Rise and Fall of Ajinkya Rahane

From a Dependable Middle Order Batsman

Ajinkya Rahane was once a reliable and consistent middle-order batsman for the Indian team. His performance in the ODI series between 2014 and 2017 was commendable, earning him a regular spot in the lineup. However, a change in form during the beginning of 2018 was detrimental to his chances of making the 2019 World Cup squad.

The South Africa Series – A Wrecking Ball

India was scheduled to play a six-match ODI series in South Africa in 2018. This series was crucial for Rahane as it could have cemented his position as India's number four batsman for the upcoming World Cup. Unfortunately, Rahane's performance in this series was disappointing. In five chances, he managed a mere 140 runs, with the high being a 79 in the first ODI and an unbeaten 34 in the final ODI.

His scores in the other three ODIs were 118, 8, 8, and 8, respectively. These numbers did not reflect the performance expected from a player at that position, raising questions about his readiness for the big event.

A Lack of Consistency Even in the IPL

Another Underwhelming Performance

While the South Africa series was a turning point, Rahane's IPL season in 2018 was equally disappointing. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he scored only 370 runs in 15 matches, averaging around 29 and registering a strike rate of about 120. While his poor form wasn't limited to one aspect of the game, it undoubtedly dampened his prospects for inclusion in the World Cup squad.

Self-Assessment and Confidence

Rahane's poor performance in the IPL season was not just a metronome of his form in the subsequent ODI series; he openly admitted to being in a state of doubt regarding his batting capability. Failing to live up to expectations in both domestic and international cricket had significantly affected his confidence. As a key player, this drop in confidence can impact his overall performance.

Strategically Left Out for Other Players

Alternatives and Experiments

Despite Rahane's struggles, the selectors chose to go with KL Rahul and Suresh Raina instead. These selections were justified by their strong performances in the IPL, which included brilliant runs and consistent batting. Additionally, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu were given opportunities to prove their worth, and the team management eventually rewarded them for their efforts.

Failed Experiments and the 2019 World Cup

These experiments, particularly with KL Rahul and Raina, didn't yield favorable results in the 2019 World Cup. Rahul's performance was inconsistent, while Raina faced criticism. These outcomes highlighted the need for more stable and proven middle-order batsmen like Rahane, who had previously shown reliability.

For a team as big as India, having a reliable middle-order batsman is critical, especially in high-pressure situations like the World Cup. The decision to leave Rahane out was not just about the immediate performance but also about the long-term strategy to field a robust team.

Conclusion

Comprehending the Decision

While Ajinkya Rahane's exclusion from the 2019 ODI World Cup squad was primarily due to his form, it also reflected a broader strategy to field a more consistent and reliable team. The experiences of the 2018 series and the IPL played a significant role, and while Rahane deserves another chance, the selection process in cricket is often about making strategic choices for the team's best interest.

Picture Credits

India TV and NDTV Sports.

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