Ajinkya Rahane had a tough time recently, Also being India’s vice-captain in the show’s shortest format, he has been continuously disappointing with the bat. And, ignoring the fact that he is supported by his skipper and coach, some cricket spectators and analysts have urged for his dismissal from the lineup.
The Mumbai batsman hit his recent century versus Australia at the MCG during the 2nd Test of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After that, he was not up to the mark. He also underperformed in the 1st Test versus New Zealand.
There was speculation of removing India’s stand-in skipper after he struck 35 and 4 in the 1st and 2nd innings, accordingly. The 33-year-old has had an average of 24.39 in his past 16 Tests.
Virat Kohli trusts his players, backs him through thick and thin: Salman Butt
Considering recent poor track recordof Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli believes he can turn things around. Former Pakistan batsman, Salman Butt was impressed. He believed that this would be the cause why the batting icon had such a great stint as India’s captain.
“One of the most valuable reasons behind Team India’s success under the captaincy of Virat Kohli is backing his players, especially when they most need them. Not just Kohli, pick any good captain in world cricket, they will always back their proven player, who is now going through a lean phase. And when such players are backed during their time of struggle, with the amount of confidence the player gains they come out stronger and produce unthinkable results,” said Salman Butt.
Butt also discussed India’s number 5 batsmen capabilities in foreign circumstances, and how he effectively led the Indian team to a Test series success in Australia previously this year. “In cases when the player has top-class credentials, has helped script unbelievable victories, or has performed well under pressure, you have to back them”.
“And this is the reason why he is such a successful captain. He trusts his players, backs him through thick and thin. And that is why players respond. And he is the vice-captain of the Indian team, who led the Indian side to victory in Australia in the absence of Kohli and has performed as a batsman as well,” he added.
