Ever since this year started, one of india’s test mainstays, Ajinkya Rahane, has been found wanting. His last three figure score came during India’s MCG win over Tim Paine’s eleven.

Rahane did not turn up to the occasion in WTC finale and even during Blackcaps’ tour of the indian subcontinent, he was ineffective. During the same tour, Shreyas Iyer smacked a debut hundred. In stark contrast to Rahane, Iyer showed intent and proved effective.

“Watch the ball”- Ajinkya Rahane goes back to the basics

Talks arose over the indian management finally moving away from their past. It meant they should’ve scrapped Rahane & Pujara from their 15 man squad. But no, they’ve persisted.

While Cheteshwar Pujara bagged a golden duck during his first inning on the ongoing tour of South Africa, Rahane has finally repaid the management’s faith. Rahane has looked assured enroute his unbeaten 40 thus far. So, what change has resulted in this sudden air of assurance? Umm… He has returned to the extreme basics. No fancy stance change or a trigger movement, but a focus on the ball. Here’s the video of Rahane telling himself to, “Watch the ball.”

Rahane reminding himself to watch the ball as the bowler runs up makes me realise how cruel cricket can be for such experienced guy pic.twitter.com/3HKhVgMMFc

— Nikhil Dubey (@nikhildubey96) December 26, 2021

ALSO WATCH: Rahul Dravid’s gesture makes disappointed Cheteshwar Pujara smile

Talking about the match itself- Only day 1’s play has been concluded. Currently, India’s former test vice-captain (Rahane) remains unbeaten alongside his replacement KL Rahul. KL is batting on 122 and Rahane’s innings stands at forty. They have stitched a seventy-three run partnership together.