Message to selectors? Ajinkya Rahane shares training video after India 46-all out

Ajinkya Rahane, who has been out of the Indian Test squad for almost a year, shared a training video of himself hitting the nets moments after India’s shocking collapse against New Zealand. Rahen posted the video after India were bowled out for a dismal 46, their third-lowest Test total and worst score on home soil on Thursday. The video, captioned ‘Ready to Strike’, quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts, with many interpreting it as a subtle message to the Indian selectors, signaling his eagerness and willingness to make a comeback.

Rahane, the former vice-captain, last appeared for India in the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2023. Despite his struggle to regain his place in the national team, Rahane has been performing well in domestic cricket. He recently led Mumbai to victory in the 2024 Irani Cup, contributing to their success in the Ranji Trophy. His consistent form in domestic tournaments suggests he is determined to return to the international stage and contribute to the Indian team once again.

With the Indian batting line-up struggling in difficult conditions, Rahane’s post has fueled speculation that he might just be the experienced player India needs. Social media is abuzz with fans urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider his exclusion and give him another chance in the Test side. After Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat under conditions that favored seam movement, the decision backfired. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mark Henry (15/5) and William O’Rourke (22/4), made expert use of the conditions and dismantled India’s batting order.

IND vs NZ, 1st Test, Day 1 Updates

Henry’s opening spell wreaked havoc, leaving the Indian top order struggling with movement and bounce. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who tried to counter the swing by standing outside the crease, was eventually undone. The misery continued as key players like Virat Kohli (0) and Rishabh Pant could not stabilize the innings. Kohli’s brief stint ended with a rising delivery from O’Rourke, while Pant’s resistance was short-lived as he fell behind. The Indian innings ended shortly after lunch with the team folding for 46, surpassing their previous lowest score of 75 against the West Indies.