ENG vs IND: 3 players who can replace Ajinkya Rahane in fourth Test

India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has been short of runs lately and many even believe that time is running out for him. In 10 Test matches this year, the 33-year-old has managed just 358 runs with his average being just above 20. He scored just two half-centuries in this duration and the cricket fraternity is indeed not happy with his consistent failures.

Rahane continued his poor run of form in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. Although he played a match-winning 61-run knock at the Lord’s, his other outings were far from impressive. Overall, he scored just 95 runs in five innings. One can’t deny that Rahane has done a fine job in his Test career and his overall record is still impressive. However, it would be difficult for the team management to persist with him despite his continuous failures.

Moreover, India lost the third Test by an innings and 76 series, and the series got leveled 1-1. Hence, many believe that the Maharashtra-born batter should warm the benches during the fourth Test of the series at the Kennington Oval, London. The crucial game gets underway on September 2.

Meanwhile, let’s look at players who can replace Ajinkya Rahane for the fourth Test against England

1. Hanuma Vihari

The right-handed batsman has been one of the most prolific run-scorers in India’s domestic circuit and his First-Class record is nothing but daunting. Vihari has a solid defense and his tendency to stay at the crease for long makes him an even greater asset. Not to forget, the 27-year-old has proved his mettle in Team India colours as well.

In 12 Test matches so far, Vihari has scored 624 runs at an average of 32.84. These numbers might not look sensational. However, it must be noted that Vihari has never played a Test on Indian soil. Also, batting at number six means one has to bat with the tail-enders more often than not. Considering these factors, Vihari has done a fine job.

If one may recall, Vihari made his Test debut on England soil only in 2018. He scored a well-compiled half-century in his maiden outing and won’t mind replicating his heroics again. Hence, Vihari is the front-runner to take the number five position if Rahane faces the axe.

2. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav has been on a roll lately and the team management would be tempting to give the batter his maiden Test cap. The 30-year-old has a plethora of experience behind his back and his First-Class numbers aren’t ordinary either. In 77 red-ball games, Suryakumar has slammed 5326 with his average being a tad over 44.

This also includes 14 centuries and 26 half-centuries. The dasher is indeed an impact player as he possesses a solid defensive alongside an aggressive mindset. Yadav can score runs all over the park and many potent bowlers have been victims of his brilliance.

Not to forget, Suryakumar Yadav has been in the form of his life lately. Last month, the right-handed batter received the Player-of-the-Series award in his maiden ODI assignment against Sri Lanka. Hence, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has all the reasons to unleash Suryakumar in Leeds.

3. Mayank Agarwal

Another player who can replace Ajinkya Rahane is Mayank Agarwal. Although the right-handed batter has been an opener for the major part of his career, he has all the attributes to succeed in the middle-order. Agarwal has a solid defense and his ability to play big shots at will makes him an even greater headache for bowlers.

The experience of playing at the highest level might also work in Agarwal’s favour. So far, the 30-year-old has scored 1052 runs in 14 Test matches with his average being over 45. In this duration, Agarwal also slammed as many as two double hundreds. Hence, the team management might well consider slotting Agarwal at the number-five position.

Notably, Agarwal isn’t entirely alien with the drill of playing in the middle-order. He batted at number five during India’s famous win against Australia in Brisbane earlier this year. He registered scores of 38 and 9 in that game as India registered a three-wicket triumph.