Ajinkya Rahane has sent a clear message to the Indian Test team and coach Gautam Gambhir, saying the team needs to bring back the fight and patience that once defined its success.
Rahane, who recently retired from international cricket, made the comments during his first podcast appearance since retirement. The Indian Test team has struggled in recent times, including two home series whitewashes, and are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings.
Rahane believes Test cricket demands character and the ability to survive difficult periods. "Test cricket needs character. You need to build such characters and play competitive cricket. That's what's important. Playing session out. You don't see many teams do that," he said on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
Gambhir has been under pressure to turn around the team's fortunes, but Rahane's comments may add to the scrutiny. The former India batter also spoke about the rapid transition in the Indian Test side, with several senior players leaving the team within six months.
Rahane pointed out that the current squad is dominated by new players, with only a handful of experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah having played 50 or more Tests. "Test cricket needs 7-8 senior players and 2-3 younger players. What we are seeing now is that all the players are actually new. There's hardly any senior cricketer left," he added.
The comments come ahead of a crucial two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 15. India will be looking to improve their World Test Championship standings, but Rahane's words may have added to the pressure on the team.
Rahane also expressed concerns about the future of Test cricket, citing the rapid transition in the Indian side as a major issue. "Frankly, yes I do (fear for Test cricket). Because the way it is going, we all want Test cricket to survive, to be there – India, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. These 4-5 teams specially," he said.
The Indian team will need to regroup and refocus ahead of the Sri Lanka series, and Rahane's comments may have added to the challenge.
Source: Yahoo Sports