Rahane to play in Vijay Hazare for World Cup berth

With the World Cup only eight months away, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane wants to leave no stones unturned to make a comeback into the Indian ODI side. Rahane, on returning from a disappointing England tour, will turn up for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, slated to begin from September 19.

With the World Cup only eight months away, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane wants to leave no stones unturned to make a comeback into the Indian ODI side. Rahane, on returning from a disappointing England tour, will turn up for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, slated to begin from September 19.

The Mumbai Cricket Association selection panel led by former India medium pacer Ajit Agarkar is set to announce the Mumbai squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday evening and Rahane in all probability will find his name on the squad, reported The Times of India.

“Besides regaining form, Rahane would have another reason to play in this tournament despite having just taken part in a gruelling series — a few runs here may just help him stay in fray for a spot in India’s team for the World Cup in England next year,” a source told TOI.

Rahane, who did not have the best of times in England, scoring only 257 runs in five Test matches with a highest score of 81, expectedly did not find a place in India’s 16-member squad for the Asia Cup in UAE.

Rahane has been in and out of the Indian ODI side for more than 12 months now. After being ignored for about six months, he did make a comeback in the South African tour only to be unceremoniously dropped again for the England tour.

However, Rahane has not given up the hopes of representing India in all three formats and therefore would like to make amends in the Vijay Hazare trophy to again make a case for himself.

Mumbai will take on Baroda in their first game in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Alur.