Ravi Shastri’s statement came on Ajinkya Rahane’s inclusion in the team, said- he was the only option after Iyer’s injury
New Delhi. Former head coach Ravi Shastri believes Ajinkya Rahane was certain to make it into the Indian team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out due to a stress fracture in his lower back. The WTC final will be played at The Oval in London from June 7 to 11. Shastri has coached the Indian team for six of the seven years between 2014 and 2021. He took a dig at those who feel that Rahane got selected for the Indian team because of his three best innings in the Indian Premier League. Shastri said, “Such people would probably be on holiday when Rahane scored more than 600 runs in the domestic season (Ranji Trophy).”
The former all-rounder said, “I am happy that he made it to the team. He has batted beautifully in these two-three matches that he has played in the IPL, he is looking in great form. The experience that he has should not be forgotten. The time Shreyas Iyer was injured, you had to look in that direction. ”””’ India won the Test series in Australia in 2021 under Rahane’s leadership. It is considered to be one of the biggest victories of the Indian team on foreign soil. Shastri said, “It is a big match and you will need your experienced players. Don’t forget that two-and-a-half years ago, that player had a Test series triumph in Australia. He did a wonderful job after the departure of the regular captain of the team, Virat Kohli (on paternity leave). ,
Shastri described Rahane’s return as a reward for his impressive domestic performances. He said, “People feel that he played well in just three IPL matches, so he is in the team. Such people would probably have been on leave for the six months he was playing first-class cricket. When you go on leave, you miss the details of those 600 runs. Shastri took this opportunity to demand the inclusion of the coach in the selectors’ meeting. In the BCCI constitution, the coach cannot participate in the selection meetings. Only the captain can participate in it, but he too will not have the right to vote. When asked about team selection during his tenure, Shastri said, “I have no experience of attending selection meetings. For the seven years I was part of the team, I never went to a selection meeting. I wasn’t even invited. I feel that in future the coach should be invited to this meeting.
