Ajinkya Rahane dismissal vs New Zealand: The Indian vice-captain toiled hard without any result in the second innings.
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During the second day of the second Test of the ongoing India’s tour of New Zealand in Christchurch, India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane played an unconvincing innings which majorly saw him struggling in the middle against short-pitch bowling.
Coming in to bat at No. 5 in the 18th over, Rahane never looked comfortable against the likes of Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson. Batting at 2*, Rahane’s attempt to pull a Wagner delivery from outside the off-stump saw him mis-timing it to New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme at deep square leg.
While de Grandhomme making a mess of the catch gave an extra life to Rahane, the latter didn’t avail it to the best as he continued to appear like a walking wicket in the middle.
ALSO WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja grabs screamer to dismiss Neil Wagner
From not defending short balls properly to mis-timing his shots, the 31-year old player lived a charmed life before eventually getting out to Wagner in the 31st over.
In what was a short delivery down the leg-side, Rahane’s attempt to pull it awkwardly saw him chopping it on to his stumps. While low bounce on the ball didn’t work in Rahane’s favour, one still can complain about the way in which he played the ball. Having scored 9 (43), Rahane seemed to end his own misery as he walked back to the pavilion.
After gaining a 7-run first-innings lead, India were restricted to 90/6 in 36 overs at Stumps. With Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant in the middle, India surely need the duo to share a formidable partnership tomorrow morning to put the hosts under pressure.
Ajinkya Rahane dismissal vs New Zealand
[Video to be uploaded soon]
How Twitterati reacted:
It’s carnage in Christchurch!
Wagner got Rahane to chop on with yet another short ball and Boult has come from around the wicket to beat Pujara’s defences to rattle the stumps.#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/F6ZmQI8HDU
— ICC (@ICC) March 1, 2020
Everyone is talking about Virat Kohli, what is Anjinkya Rahane doing in the team? #NZvIND #INDvsNZ
— Alok (@Alok02640314) March 1, 2020
Rahane played with helmet more than the bat 😂
Go and get coaching at NCA with Rahul Dravid @spandharikar @cricketaakash @VVSLaxman281 @LaxmanSivarama1 #INDvsNZ @cricbuzz— Swanand girdhar (@swanand_girdhar) March 1, 2020
A few forgettable shots but do remember they are the outcome of high quality bowling that messes with a batsman’s mind.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 1, 2020
Shaw, Rahane need more short ball practice from Shardul Thakur.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) March 1, 2020
Feeling really sorry for Rahane. He’s already been in scrutiny of late & this was One of those displays which could really AXE you from the side…..! #NZvIND
— That Cricket Guy (@Vivek7968) March 1, 2020
Rahane please#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/gZ9B8Zorzi
— Manya (@CSKian716) March 1, 2020
Just saw Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal today. I think he did that to retain the law of conservation of mediocrity of India’s current Test tour, and balance the brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja’s catching earlier in the morning.
— Sachin Kalbag (@SachinKalbag) March 1, 2020
Kohli’s failure aside, what exactly has Rahane done? Probably the most able batsman from the line-up to play in seaming conditions and didn’t produce as required. #NZvsIND #rahane
— Satyajit (@satyajit_kambli) March 1, 2020
Time for rahane to make way
Such a tame innings, never thought would say this. #rahane #NZvIND
— B.E.ing Engineer (@brightbharath) March 1, 2020
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