Nair’s one triple ton cannot overshadow Rahane’s years of consistency, says Kohli

INDIA SKIPPER Virat Kohli has opined that Karun Nair’s one triple hundred cannot overshadow two years of consistent performance delivered by Ajinkya Rahane, who has returned to the squad for the one-off Test against Bangladesh, starting February 9. 

The prolific batsman termed Nair’s performance as remarkable but mentioned that Rahane deserves to be in playing XI, courtesy of his consistent knocks. As reported by PTI, the Kohli explained,  

“See, I feel one game doesn't overshadow two years of hard work from another player. You have to understand that Jinks [Rahane] has done well for the team over the last two years. He averages almost 50 in the last two years and he is probably the most solid batsman in the team in the Test format. We will look at him from that point of view certainly. Karun was stepping into his shoes [and] what he did was remarkable. Sealing a spot as far as the squad is concerned - that's what Karun did. But you can't overlook two years of hard work from Ajinkya with just one Test match. He deserves to walk back into the team whenever he is fit. “

The Delhi-lad asserted that Rahane's position in the playing XI is non-negotiable and independent of pitch conditions.

“From a batting line-up point of view, you need big runs in Test cricket. To chip (chop) and change regularly doesn't let the batsmen gain confidence as such. Very important to back guys who got injured and are on a comeback trail as they have been regular feature in playing XI. They need to be given a chance as soon as they comeback. The only consideration while dropping a player should be his form other than fitness. If form or something happens then you are subject to changing that player. Otherwise, very important to back top players who are in playing XI for a long time. At the same time, you need to keep those youngsters in the squad to groom them, nurture them and make them understand the situation."

The 28-year-old expressed his delight on having a strong bench strength. He credited the selectors and further added,

"An injury should not deplete a team and that's what bench strength contributes to. We are lucky to have guys up and ready for Test cricket. Jayant (Yadav) walked in beautifully. In T20s and ODIs, you saw Chahal and Kedar stepping up. We do have a pool of players who are coming up nicely. Credit to selectors to identify the players but to players as well as they practice their skills regularly, work on fitness levels, have consistent performances at domestic levels, that's how you come into that pool. I think it's a back and forth thing that you need to identify players but they have to put in the effort which they have. Luckily we have good bench strength going forward. God Forbid if we have any injury going forward, as you said 2-3 guys, a great thing for the team."

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