'Won't make a decision based on the atmosphere outside' - Virat Kohli on Ajinkya Rahane's future in India's Test team

India dominated the proceedings against New Zealand in the Mumbai Test to clinch the series 1-0. But Ajinkya Rahane’s form has been one of the concerns for the hosts. The batter has experienced a lean patch with his willow lately and has been struggling to pile up big runs.

In the Kanpur Test match as well, he registered scores of 35 and 4 in the first and second innings respectively. His average lately has also been a concerning factor for the side. Rahane missed the second and final Test as he sustained a minor left hamstring strain whilst fielding on the final day of the Kanpur Test.

However, India skipper Virat Kohli has come forward to back Rahane. He reckoned that the individuals are well aware of the areas they need to improve on. “I cannot judge Ajinkya’s form. I think no one can judge it. The individual knows the areas of the game he needs to work hard. We need to back players who have come up with impact performances for us in the past under tough situations in key Test matches,” Kohli said in the post-match press conference.

Need to back players who have come up with impact performances for us in the past: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli also added that backing players who have done well for the team in the past is important. The Indian skipper further asserted that the team and the management have never decided on any player’s exclusion based on the talks going on outside.

“If there is some pressure on an individual and people start creating an environment wherein everyone is asking “what will happen next?”, we don’t entertain that as a Team. We cannot expect that balance outside. The same people who praise certain players want them out of the team after two months.

“We have never reacted like that and we never will because we know the amount of hard work and effort that goes into it. We will support him, whether it is Ajinkya or someone else. We won’t make a decision based on the atmosphere outside,” the 33-year-old added