Ajinkya Rahane’s poor form continued as he was dismissed for just four, after 35 runs in his first innings total and VVS Laxman said that the India captain’s early move left him stuck in his crease.
Ajinkya Rahane has averaged less than 25 in the last two years. (AP photo)
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- Rahane’s average in the last two years has been less than 25
- He has scored just two fifties since December 2020
- Rahane to lead India in first Test in place of Kohli
Former batsman VVS Laxman has said that Ajinkya Rahane’s footwork is causing him trouble and he is stuck at the crease. Rahane was dismissed for just four runs in India’s second innings in the first Test against New Zealand at Kanpur.
Rahane had earlier scored 35 runs in the first Test and has scored just two half-centuries in 21 innings since scoring a century against Australia in Melbourne in December last year.
“Of course, that is not the deciding factor (while deciding to play on the front foot or the back foot). If your feet stay on the ground, you are forced to play from the crease. Just take a look at Ajinkya’s method Rahane is out today,” Laxman said on Star Sports.
“The main problem with Ajinkya Rahane is the initial step, which we also call the “baby step”. If the baby step falls on the toe or heel, your foot gets stuck. From that position, you can’t walk at all. That’s why Rahane often plays full deliveries on the back foot.
Laxman said this makes it difficult for the batsmen to rotate the strike, which he said is important when facing spinners in Test cricket.
“Another issue is that you can’t rotate the strike. If your strike rotation is bad, you are forced to play big shots. In Indian conditions against spinners, you can’t just rely on defense and fours and sixes. Can stay. Strike rotation is important,” he said.
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