Ajinkya Rahane way past his prime, struggles were visible in IPL: Sanjay Manjrekar

Indian team has relied on Ajinkya Rahane to provide stability in middle-order, especially in red-ball cricket. batsman who h a promising start to his limited-overs career as well, however, is mainly utilized as a Test specialist by Indian think-tank. While 32-year-old has an imposing task ahe in Australia, both as a leer as well as a batsman, his recent form has come under rar of Sanjay Manjrekar. 

Sanjay Manjrekar questions Ajinkya Rahane's recent outings 

Cricketer-turned-commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his concerns regarding Ajinkya Rahane's batting. ex-India player wrote in his Hindustan Times column about how batsman has lost his sheen and is longer as effective as he was at one point. According to Manjrekar, Rahane has t looked like same remarkable batsman post-2017. 

Rahane has h an underwhelming outing in Indian Premier League. His struggles can be visible during competition as per Manjrekar. However, he does t doubt cricketer's inclusion in India's Test squ, as he feels player has performed considerably well and also has a solid record in format. Manjrekar pointed out how India's Test vice-captain missed a full-length ball in first innings of Day and Night Test at elaide. This is an indication that cricketer's mindset is t same as it earlier was as per 55-year-old. 

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Sanjay Manjrekar also suggested that Ajinkya Rahane needs to practise his feet movement a lot more. He feels that Rahane needs to work on his defensive batting technique for Test cricket. He h also in past stated how batsman has h issues with his stride and forward press against fuller balls. This particular shortcoming also led to Rahane's undoing in opening Test.

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former cricketer has been very vocal regarding his opinions and does t mince his words while criticizing players for ir performances. His comments regarding Ravindra Jeja have t gone down well with all-rounder in past. Manjrekar was also critical of Ravindra Jeja's and Hardik Pandya's batting abilities during India's white-ball matches in Australia. However, duo proved to be exceptional in series with bat.

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India vs Australia 2020: ded responsibility for Ajinkya Rahane 

With Virat Kohli flying back to India for birth of his first child, Ajinkya Rahane will le side for remainder of series. After pink-ball Test debacle, it is imperative for Indian batting line-up to put up a stronger show. In absence of Virat Kohli, Rahane will be team's biggest hope with bat. 

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India vs Australia 2020: India vs Australia schedule 

India vs Australia 2nd Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground between December 26 and December 30

India vs Australia 3rd Test – Sydney Cricket Ground between January 7 and January 11

India vs Australia 4th Test – Gabba between January 15 and January 19

Im source: Sanjay Manjrekar Instagram