New Delhi: Ajinkya Rahane had missed a spot in India vs New Zealand 2nd Test playing XI due to an injury. After India's historic win over the visitors in Mumbai Test, captain Virat Kohli spoke openly about Rahane's poor form. He said "only an individual knows what phase he is going through".
Rahane had scored 35 and 4 runs in the 1st Test and had also captained the national squad. The match ended in a draw. The veteran has been struggling to score runs since the last two years which led to Shreya Iyer's inclusion as a middle-order batsman in India's Test squad.
"I can't judge his form. No one can judge it. Only the individual knows what he needs to work on and improve. We need to back them in these moments, especially when they have done well in the past," skipper Kohli told the media after India's win against New Zealand.
"We don't react to criticisms or praise, whatever happens outside doesn't affect us. We support everybody in the side, Ajinkya or anyone," he said.
With many young players stepping up and performing well in the longest format, the Indian team management now have multiple options to pick from for the upcoming India's tour of South Africa. Reacting to this, Virat said it was 'good headache to have' and India will need clarity on what they need to do in the South Africa tour.
"Those are discussions we are going to have now with the selectors," Kohli said. "It is a good headache to have but we also want clarity with these things. Always good to know exactly what you want to do before heading to a series like South Africa."
"To play Test cricket you need passion and intent. Indian cricket is in safe hands when you have so many people who have that. People are hungry to play tests well," the skipper added.