WTC Final 2023: Manjrekar Feels Rahane Will Be Under Less Pressure Compared To His Last India Appearance

The former captain Rahane was picked for the Indian Test side for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 against Australia at The Oval in London, starting from Wednesday (June 7).

Rahane had last played for the national team back in January 2022 during the Test series in South Africa. He was dropped from the Test setup following a bad run of form, but the batter scored runs in the domestic circuit and carried that form into the IPL.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports, former India cricketer Manjrekar spoke about the mindset that Ajinkya Rahane will bring to the table during the ICC World Test Championship Final.

“He (Rahane) was under tremendous pressure the last time when he was playing for India. It’s a tough time when a batter goes into bat, thinking that that this could be the last innings of his Test career,” Manjrekar said.

“That is a difficult place to be in. I don’t think he will be in that place now as he has seen life after Test cricket, almost like a retired cricketer. Now, he has got the opportunity, I feel his mind will be a lot freer.”

Rahane grabbed his chance under Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings in title-winning captain. While there has been talk that his form in IPL earned him a call up to the national team, the former cricketer disagreed with those suggestions.

“People might think his IPL form has contributed to his selection and comeback. But he had a good first-class season as well. So, we might see some benefit there,” Manjrekar added.

Manjrekar also recalled himself being dropped from the national team and getting loads of runs in the domestic cricket, but feels Test cricket is differen ball game altogether.

“I have been there. I have been dropped from the Indian team. I have got loads of runs at the first-class level but when you come back to Test cricket, you realize that it’s a completely different ball game,” Manjrekar said.

“So, Ajinkya Rahane will have a freer mind, but he will have his work cut out as well. Test cricket is a different ball game and he is playing against a top-notch opposition. I have no idea how he is going to bat. There’s some indication that he’s back in form, but it is a completely different scenario.”