I think he has got his mojo back: Dinesh Karthik on Ajinkya Rahane’s form going into the WTC Final

Ajinkya Rahane’s inclusion in India’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia made the headlines and for no small reason, with the stylish right-hander making a comeback after having last played a Test only back in January 2022.

Rahane’s form in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy (634 runs at an average of 57.63), coupled with fabulous returns from the IPL 2023 season for CSK, the Mumbaikar earned a spot in the Indian squad. Speaking on Rahane’s form and his inclusion in the Indian team, Dinesh Karthik reserved the highest order of praises for the former India captain.

In a video shared by ICC, Dinesh Karthik was seen delivering encomiums for Rahane, stating, “I think he has got his mojo back. He is in good rhythm, he is in good confidence. He is always known to do well outside India. It’s going to be a very important six or eight months for him in his career in Test cricket.”

Karthik referred to Rahane’s form in the IPL and said, “He has done so well for CSK. When he has come back the way that he has batted, the intent that he showed, he has shown that he is in very good mind space and that’s something that’s very important for the batter.”

As half of the Indian side is already in England, prepping themselves for the upcoming summit clash, Rahane will join them in a few days' time, having played an important 27-run knock that fuelled CSK’s win over the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final. 

With injuries to key batters like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul hampering India, Rahane might certainly have a major role to play in the middle order against the mighty Australian bowling unit.