The Playing XI going forward...

[tweaker]

Ajinkya Rahane is opening the batting as Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul are injured. After 70 ODIs, Rahane averages the lowest and is the slowest amongst the current seven batsmen playing the New Zealand home series. Yes, his batting average of 32.71 at strike rate less than 80, is worse than newbies Pandya (36 at 112) or Jadhav (49 at 106).The ICC Champions trophy starts in just over eight months time and I just don't see where Rahane will fit in. Just over a year ago, captain MS Dhoni had mentioned "Ajinkya Rahane will either bat in top three or not play at all" - clear reference to 'Jinks' limited ability to accelerate.Rahane's current average is same as Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal's and not remotely close to what other openers at the Champions Trophy - De Kock, Amla, Jason Roy, Guptill bring to the table. Hence it makes little sense in persisting with Rahane when additional game time can be given to the Manish Pandeys, Mandeep Singhs, Hardik Pandyas and Kedar Jadhavs.

 

Source : sportskeeda