Irfan Pathan backs Ajinkya Rahane to deliver in WTC Final
Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has made a comeback in the Indian Test team after a year as he’s been selected in the squad for the World Test Championship Final 2023. India will be up against Australia in the summit clash which will take place at The Oval starting from June 7.
Rahane has been receiving praise from the cricketing fraternity for his comeback. He achieved this on the back of remarkable performances in IPL 2023 and Ranji Trophy 2022-23. However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that the 34-year-old wouldn’t have made it to the team if Shreyas Iyer had been fit. Iyer recently had surgery for his recurring back injury. He will be out of action for some time.
“Had Shreyas Iyer been fit then Rahane would not have got the place in the WTC Final side,” said Irfan on Star Sports.
Pathan further lauded Rahane for his current form and stated that his performances on foreign pitches have always been good.
“As far as the current form is concerned, he is looking in great touch. The format in which he is playing now is completely different. However, Rahane’s performance on foreign pitches has always been good and this has gone in his favour,” Irfan added.
The Maharasthra-born batter has left everyone awestruck with his approach in the ongoing IPL 2023. Rahane has looked completely fearless. He has amassed 209 runs from five innings so far at an average of 52.25. The mind-boggling factor is his strike rate of 199.04 with two fifties to his name.
