'Whenever Virat hasn’t played big innings, this man has stepped up' - MSK Prasad lauds Ajinkya Rahane's contribution in the Indian team

Ajinkya Rahane is the perfect example of a team man in the Indian cricket team. Whenever the chips are down, Rahane will find ways to score runs and put the team on the top. Whenever regular Test skipper Virat Kohli is absent, the Mumbaikar steps up and fulfills the role of the leader diligently. The 33-year-old’s leadership credentials were there for all to see when he helped India win 2-1 Down Under earlier this year.

Rahane has been one of team’s leading run-scorer in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries. During India’s 2014 tour of England, he was the one bright spot in the batting apart from Murali Vijay.

His overseas record is brilliant as he scored eight centuries abroad compared to four at home. Now when India are set to play World Test Championship Final (WTC) and the subsequent five-match Test series against England, the Test vice-captain will once again be a vital cog in the team.

Although his away record is good, Rahane’s home record is not that great and his poor returns with the bat during India’s home series against England raised a debate as to whether he should be dropped. Former chief selector MSK Prasad has come to defend Rahane, stating he is more than just a player.

MSK Prasad effusive in praise of India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane

“I think he is too good a player to start with. Of course, he has gone through lots of ups and downs (of late) but whenever the team has been in trouble, he rises to the occasion. He has that potential. The graph is a little up and down but I don’t foresee any drastic decision being taken by team management.

He will come back strongly. He is a wonderful team-man and everybody likes him a lot. Whenever Virat hasn’t played a big innings, this man has stepped up. We must not forget how he delivered as a captain and a player in Australia when many seniors were absent,” Prasad told cricket.com.

Prasad lavished praise on the vice-captain’s away record saying he is best when it comes to scoring in tough conditions.

“He is a proven player and his overseas record is far superior to many of the Indian players and maybe at home he has struggled a bit. We should not be putting unnecessary pressure on him,” Prasad added.