Sourav Ganguly praises Ajinkya Rahane, saying it’s “not easy in Indian cricket as a batter to come back

Sourav Ganguly, a former captain of India, praised Ajinkya Rahane for his valiant 89-run performance against Australia in the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in London. Alongside Shardul Thakur, Rahane assumed responsibility after India lost six wickets for only 152 runs and helped his team escape follow-on.

Following the South Africa trip last year, Rahane was benched from the Indian Test team; however, when Shreyas Iyer was ruled out with a back injury, Rahane was reinstated. After excelling in domestic cricket in the Indian Premier League in 2023, the seasoned hitter received a test call-up after more than a year.

According to Ganguly, it’s difficult to return to the Indian squad after such a lengthy absence and make a statement as Rahane did by scoring 89 runs to help India rally after losing early wickets.

How wonderful it is now, 18 months later. Since he had not played in a Test match for 18 months, many of them—including maybe even Rahane himself—had written him off. In Indian cricket, it is difficult for a hitter to return and make a statement. It is fantastic, in my opinion. Many comebacks have occurred in the past, but none have occurred after such a lengthy time. He was outstanding. Despite wickets falling at the other end, he battled valiantly. Up until lunch, he would feel really pleased of what he has accomplished, Ganguly told the broadcaster.

For the seventh wicket, Rahane and Shardul Thakur combined for a 109-run partnership, reviving India’s innings. At the Oval, Thakur produced his third Test century to assist Rahane in a testy circumstance.

According to Ganguly, the talismanic batter demonstrated for the other Indian player how to dress for the challenging Oval surface.

“He demonstrated to the dressing room that you can bat on this pitch if you put in the effort and have a little bit of luck, which India have. A lot of credit goes to Rahane, who was outstanding, and to Shardul Thakur as well. He has done well at bat for India. It’s a successful battle for India.