New Zealand series last chance for vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane - Reports

Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead the Indian Test team in the Kanpur Test match against the New Zealand cricket team. However, if reports are to be believed then this could well be Rahane’s last Test series in case he fails to score big. 

Ajinkya Rahane has been an important member of the leadership group, but he has scored runs consistently for the Indian Test team. With the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari contending for a spot in the middle-order, Rahane needs to fire before it is too late. 

According to a report by Sportskeeda, the selection committee has given an ultimatum to Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the Test series against the New Zealand cricket team. Here’s what a source was quoted as saying to Sportskeeda:

“This is his redemption series. If he can’t get it, they [selectors] will get both Surya and Shreyas in South Africa. He is under clear pressure to deliver, all selectors' eyes will be on him, because this is his final test. If he fails here, he might find it difficult to be on the team to South Africa.”

Shreyas Iyer is set to play tomorrow in Kanpur, Ajinkya Rahane confirmed today 

Ajinkya Rahane confirmed earlier today that middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will make his Test debut for India tomorrow morning at Kanpur’s Green Park. India start as the favorites to win the Test series because of the home advantage. 

Although the Indian cricket team does not have its star players, it is highly unlikely that New Zealand will end India’s unbeaten streak in Test series at home. The last team to beat India in a Test series in India was England. The English team defeated India by 2-1 in a series played back in 2012. It will be interesting to see if India’s streak stays alive.