Cricket

IND vs NZ 2021: Ajinkya Rahane is not decisive – VVS Laxman on right-hander’s struggles

 

Former Indian batter VVS Laxman believes veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane is not decisive in his approach, which is leading to his downfall. Rahane has had a horrid run in the recent past as he scored 683 runs in 29 Test innings at an average of 24.4 since 2020.

Rahane was once again dismissed after scoring four runs in the second innings of the opening Test match at Kanpur on Sunday by Ajaz Patel. The right-hander played for the spin, which wasn’t there, and was plumbed in front of the wickets by the left-arm orthodox spinner.

In fact, Rahane had got off to a start in the first innings as he had scored 35 runs but failed to convert it to a substantial score. The right-hander has been struggling to deliver the goods and has failed to come up with his best in the middle order.

VVS Laxman said while talking to Star Sports, “Absolutely, he is not decisive (while deciding whether to play on the front foot or the back foot). If your feet stay rooted to the ground, then you are forced to play from the crease. Just take a look at the way Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed today.”

He added: “The main problem with Ajinkya Rahane is the initial step, something we also call the “baby step”. If the baby step falls onto the toe or the heel, then your leg gets stuck. From that position, you cannot move at all. That is why Rahane often plays a full delivery on the back foot.”

Laxman added that Rahane’s inability to rotate strike at regular intervals is also leading to his downfall at the top level as he is getting bogged down at one end.

“Another issue is that you cannot rotate the strike. If your strike rotation is poor, you are forced to play the big shots. In Indian conditions against spinners, you cannot solely depend on defense and fours and sixes. Strike rotation is important,” he added.

Rahane has had a poor run in Test cricket in the last five years as he has been averaging 32 in his previous 50 Test matches. Thus, the right-hander needs to turn the tables as he is under the pump to perform at his best.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Dinesh Karthik hails support staff after IPL 2025 final win against Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik hailed the team’s think tank after they clinched a… Read More

June 4, 2025

IPL 2025: List of all awards after RCB win maiden title

RCB clinched their maiden IPL title after defeating Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 final by… Read More

June 4, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Rajat Patidar’s captaincy in RCB’s IPL 2025 win

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed Rajat Patidar’s captaincy after RCB clinched their maiden… Read More

June 4, 2025

Injury Blow for Malvika Bansod as She Retires Hurt at Indonesia Open

Indian badminton star Malvika Bansod’s campaign at the Indonesia Open 2025 came to a heartbreaking… Read More

June 4, 2025

RCB Finally Breaks the Curse, Clinches Maiden IPL Title in Nail-Biting Final

After 17 seasons of heartbreak, near-misses, and relentless hope, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has finally… Read More

June 4, 2025

East Bengal Target Abhishek Tekcham Singh as Rebuild Begins; Melroy Assisi Set for Diamond Harbour FC Switch

Promising Indian defender Abhishek Tekcham Singh is poised to join East Bengal ahead of the… Read More

June 4, 2025