VVS Laxman on Ajinkya Rahane: He must sort out his game plan against short pitch deliveries
Ajinkya Rahane has always been a key member of India in the overseas environment. Whether it was his famous hundred at Lord’s or most recently the captain’s knock in Melbourne against India, he was the most valuable player with the bat for India away from home.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman heapes praise on India’s vice-captain ahead of the much-awaited five-match Test series against England, starting from August 4 at the Nottingham.
Speaking on Star Sports’ show Game Plan, VVS Laxman heaped praise on Team India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. He said: “I think Ajinkya Rahane is a very important member of Team India’s batting line-up.”
“I still remember the way he batted in overseas conditions at Lords or in Melbourne, also the way he batted in South Africa. He is instrumental for team India.
“Whenever he is out there in the middle, he scores run, he dominates the opposition’s bowling attack,” he added.
However, Laxman had one concern regarding Rahane’s batting, which is game plan against the short pitch deliveries.
“One thing I feel Ajinkya Rahane must sort out is his game plan against short pitch deliveries. You saw that in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. He was set up with a barrel of short pitch deliveries and, Ajinkya Rahane got only one option to make a pull shot,” said Laxman.
“But when you play at the highest level, you also must know which ball to play the pull shot and which ball to let go of. I think that is one area Ajinkya Rahane works on and, he has got a guarantee. I am sure he can perform,” he added.
