Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan made a big comment regarding the India squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final in June 2023. But the biggest story from the team selection was the inclusion of Chennai Super Kings batter Ajinkya Rahane, who has lit up the ongoing IPL with some brilliant batting.
While speaking on air while commentating during the IPL 2023 game between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, Pathan stated that Shreyas Iyer’s injury was the reason behind Ajinkya Rahane’s selection in the team. He further stated that Rahane’s inclusion brings a lot of experience in playing tough overseas conditions.
Iyer was ruled out indefinitely after suffering a back injury after which he underwent surgery in England. While speaking on air, Irfan Pathan said, "The selectors wouldn't have selected Ajinkya Rahane if Shreyas Iyer was fit. But as far as the current form is concerned, he is looking in great touch. The format in which he is playing now is completely different but Rahane's performance on foreign pitches has always been good and this has gone in his favour."
Talking about Rahane’s IPL 2023 season, he has scored 209 runs so far in the tournament at a magnificent strike rate of 199.04. The Mumbai native has two half-centuries which include a 29-ball 71 against Kolkata Knight Riders and a 61 against Mumbai Indians.
He has also registered a couple of thirty-plus scores, against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. This selection will mark Rahane’s return to the Indian Test side after January 2022. He was since omitted from BCCI's central contracts for the current season, a demotion from Grade B.
India’s Test Squad World Test Championship 2023 Final:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat.
