Dilip Vengsarkar bats for Ajinkya Rahane's inclusion in World Cup squad

At a time when the Indian team-management is having a hard time finalizing the players for the fragile middle-order for the upcoming World Cup, former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar feels the team should try out Ajinkya Rahane. Right now, the team has been pinning its hopes on the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik with Shubman Gill being the latest entrant in the middle-order roulette.

Rayudu has been backed by many to end India’s long wait for a good player at number four. His 90-run knock in the fifth ODI against New Zealand must have brightened up his chances. On the other hand, Kedar Jadhav looks set to make it to the World Cup too because of his useful bowling in addition to his batting. Karthik, as usual, has been inconsistent but he too looks very much in the selectors’ plans for the World Cup.

But amidst all this Vengsarkar has batted for Rahane’s inclusion in the team. The legendary batsman believes that India need a specialist batsman in the tough batting conditions of England and Rahane perfectly fits the bill. “I am not saying Rahane has to be played in every game. But you need a batsman who knows how to deal with conditions there and Rahane is the perfect fit,” Vengsarkar told The Times of India.

Rahane has completely fallen out of favour in ODIs. He last played in the 50-over format during the tour of South Africa last year. It is now perhaps too late for him to make it to the team. However, Vengsarkar feels the home series against Australia can be the opportunity to try him out. “He can come in at any slot, Rahane gives you options,” Vengsarkar said.

Shankar over Jadeja

Vengsarkar also feels that Vijay Shankar should be India’s second allrounder in the World Cup and not Ravindra Jadeja. With Kedar Jadhav capable of bowling spin, Vengsarkar feels there is no need of another spinner in the team and batted for Shankar ahead of Jadeja.

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