Ajinkya Rahane misses out on his lucky break, Twitterati come up with mixed reactions

As the third and the final Test of the ongoing series between South Africa and India was inching towards its commencement, a lot of discussion was about the Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane was surprisingly omitted from the Indian lineup from the first two Tests. This had come as a big surprise for many as Rahane was a pre-series favorite to perform in the South African conditions.

Playing in the overseas conditions is never an easy deal. And Ajinkya Rahane, by virtue, was hailed as the premier Indian cricketer in testing conditions. Despite his ability and the reputation, Rahane was not included in the side. And, surprisingly again, the team management went ahead with Rohit Sharma in the lineup.

It is worth noting that Rohit Sharma had a dismal run in South Africa conditions. And, it did not improve much this time either. Having said that, the team management stressed on the fact that Rohit was picked owing to his superior form in the recent times. Also, at the very same time, Rahane’s cumulative of 17 runs in 5 Test innings in the home series against Sri Lanka did not help his cause.

Amidst this backdrop, many believed that it was high time Ajinkya Rahane got his due share of chance in the series. With the series already lost, India had nothing but pride to play for as the Indian captain walked for the toss. Kohli won the toss and revealed that Rahane was playing instead of Rohit. The moment arrived for Rahane to show his prowess after the dismissal of Virat Kohli.

Kohli, before his dismissal, had stitched a marathon partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara in terms of time spent at the crease. Hence, the challenge was not going to be easy for Rahane. Rahane did well to see the first few minutes of his stay at the crease. But he had to walk back after scoring 9 off 27 deliveries. It was a Morne Morkel delivery that nipped back in to him. One could easily tip him to be unlucky as it was a very close call. But in the end, the much hyped Rahane show came to a meek end.

Here is how the fans react to the dismissal of Ajinkya Rahane:

Ajinkya Rahane since his 132 against Sri Lanka
17, 4, 0, 2, 1, 10, 9
43 runs @ 6.1 in 7 innings#SAvIND

— Jasveer Singh Kharra (@imjsk27) January 24, 2018

* Rohit Sharma to Ajinkya Rahane everytime he throws his wicket away in a comeback test*#SAvIND #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/0q4tNCuU3E

— Swagpur ka Choudhary (@ABChoudhary007) January 24, 2018

Let's pretend Rohit Sharma would have scored more runs here like we did for Ajinkya Rahane in the first two Tests….. #SAvIND

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) January 24, 2018

Who is trending after rahane's dismissal?
rohit sharma??#SAvIND #INDvSA

— रमेशवाबु (@rameshmanig) January 24, 2018

All these people mocking and laughing at Rahane's failure and those too who were enjoying Rohit's failure, please don't call yourself cricket fans. You just want your favorite player to do well, you got nothing to do with Team India. #SAvIND

— Harshit Gulati (@louisthe13thhhh) January 24, 2018

Rahane scored 9 Runs

And Got out 2 Times today

Cricket is a Funny game … Old stats doesn't really matter here#INDvSA

Pujara might not scoring much runs but he is still surviving well …

— Mysterio (@SRKpePHD) January 24, 2018

Ajinkya Rahane missed his century by only 91 runs.

Feeling sorry for him.#SAvIND #INDvSA #Pujara

— Sir Rohit Sharma (@ImRo450) January 24, 2018

It's absolutely wrong to blame Rahane. While others have been below par throughout this series, you expect Rahane to come in and score big right away. Unfair! #SAvIND

— Omkar ?? (@omkar1986) January 24, 2018

*If you think this dismissal means Rohit should have played, you are wrong. Thanks.*

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 24, 2018

How many runs rahane scored today after getting a life ? Lot's of people raises their fingers about Rohit….i think rohit should get another chance afterall ODI series knocking the doors..

— Arnab Dalui (@ArnabDalui2) January 24, 2018

Rahane’s struggle in the middle wasn’t unexpected. This game is a lot about what’s happening between the two ears. He deserves patience. #SAvIND

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 24, 2018

10 more failures and I would still go with Rahane. Senseless Rohit fans can rant forever like how I used to do for Rahane's ODI inclusion. ?

— Frank (@FranklinnMJ) January 24, 2018

Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane are perfect substitute for each other. No need to debate who is better, #SAvIND

— Vivek Sharma (@KhamoshVIVEK) January 24, 2018

First select an out of form batsman, make him your vice captain, take him on tour, don't play any warmup games, ignore him for first two Tests, select him for third and then judge on one innings… It's tough being Rahane! #SAvIND

— P₹akash $inha ?? (@Predicto_Praky) January 24, 2018

Rohit Sharma was the only Indian to reach double-figures in all 4 innings of first 2 Tests.

Rahane replaced him, and got out without reaching double-figures! #SAvInd

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) January 24, 2018

First two tests : Rahane would have scored more runs.??
(This Test Rohit out Rahane in)
Now : Rohit Sharma would have scored more runs.???#SAvIND https://t.co/3uiKJTst2h

— Ravinaa ? (@RaveeenaAgg) January 24, 2018

Rahane sir flop show in this match Rohit sharma could have got one more chance but I like Rahane and Rohit sharma is my fav

— uttam parihar (@uttamparihar1) January 24, 2018

Rahane ko pehle test me khilaaana chaiye tha overseas speacilist #SAvsIND

— Rahul bhardwaj (@RahulRahul317) January 24, 2018

Rahane's was a dismissal of a batsman out of form. It was a dismissal which was not down to a technical problem, or a limitation in Rahane's game. It was a rank half volley which he missed. Kohli was not wrong about Rahane was he?

— cricketingview (@cricketingview) January 24, 2018

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