‘You have to make changes’ – Michael Vaughan wants Ajinkya Rahane to be dropped for the 4th Test

India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has been at the eye of the storm lately due to his inconsistent performances. The right-handed batter has endured regular failures this year and many have even questioned his place in the team. Rahane’s form in the ongoing England series hasn’t been great either. Although he did play a match-winning 61-run knock in the second Test, the veteran accumulated just 34 runs in his other four innings.

Notably, India humiliatingly lost the third Test by an innings and 76 runs. While many things didn’t go the visiting team’s way in the game, their dual batting collapse was the major reason behind their downfall. With Rahane registering scores of 19 and 10 in the game, many fans and experts believe the 33-year-old must warm the benches in the fourth game.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan is also of the same opinion. Speaking to Harsha Bhogle in a video for Cricbuzz, the veteran said India need to drop Rahane as he hasn’t been consistent lately. Highlighting England’s fortunes changed after dropping out-of-form batsmen Dominic Sibley and Zak Crawley, Vaughan reckoned India alter their line-up for the penultimate Test.

England need to see a different face or two: Michael Vaughan

“Rahane is an issue. And I think when see you these things happening, you have to make changes. England made changes, they got rid of (Zak) Crawley, they got rid of (Dominic) Sibley. I think India need to make changes. England need to see a different face or two at the (Kennington) Oval,” Vaughan said.

“I mean Rahane, is he being backed because of his vice-captaincy? Is he being backed because he played some outstanding innings in the last few years? but consistency-wise, he just doesn’t seem to find it,” Vaughan added.

Meanwhile, the five-match series is perfectly poised at 1-1 after the first three games. This means the winner of the next Test would gain an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series. England camp would certainly be confident as he didn’t put a foot wrong in the previous clash at the Headingley Stadium. On the other hand, India must learn from their mistakes to make a substantial comeback. The fourth Test gets underway on September 2 at the Kennington Oval in London.