Former vice-captain and captain of the Indian team, Ajinkya Rahane, has once again made a strong statement regarding team leadership and senior players. Rahane emphasized that it is crucial to respect experienced athletes in the team, as he has recently observed India's losses in series matches on home grounds.
On the podcast 'Stick To Cricket,' Rahane noted that he has not played Test matches for the past two years. He stated that while at home, he has seen the Indian team lose Test games both abroad and at its home venue. In his opinion, Test cricket requires strong character, and players who can stand firm for the team in difficult circumstances need to be prepared. He added that the most important thing is learning to cope with tough sessions, which very few teams are currently doing.
Rahane asserted that senior players should be given respect and trust because their experience benefits the team in difficult situations. He also stressed that players must receive consistent opportunities, clear roles, and guarantees of security so they can perform at their best. Although Rahane did not name anyone directly, many link his remarks to India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Recently, questions have arisen regarding some decisions concerning team selection and the future of senior players.
Rahane, who recently retired from international cricket, helped India achieve several memorable victories during his career. Notably, under his leadership, India won a historic Test series during the tour of Australia in 2020–21.
