Vikram Rathour lauds Ajinkya Rahane's assured approach in Team India middle-order

Ajinkya Rahane (Pic: AFP)

Lauding Ajinkya Rahane's assured approach in the Team India middle-order, batting coach Vikram Rathour said the side will need him to maintain form when it tours South Africa later this year.

Rahane's 89 and 46 was probably the only positive for India in their loss to Australia in the World Test Championship final in London last month.

It was Rahane's first Test in 18 months and following that, he was named vice-captain for the ongoing tour of the West Indies.

However, the 35-year-old got out cheaply in the first Test here and would like to make amends in the second game starting in Port of Spain on July 20.

Talking about Rahane's comeback, Rathour explained what has stood out for him.

"He played really well in the WTC final. He has always been a good player. He was dropped because of bad form. When it comes to technique, you constantly work on that but what stood out for for me that he was much more calm in his approach.

"He was playing late and close to the body. That has been the standout thing since his comeback. He is still batting the same way in the nets. We hope he will do well. Conditions in South Africa, you will need somebody like him to come good," said Rathour.

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Rathour also lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal for his explosive Test debut, adding that the young opener has the potential to play for India for the next ten years ahead of the second Test against West Indies.

Jaiswal made the most of the opportunity that came to him in his debut Test. He took on the bowlers, didn't panic, and managed to hold on to his nerves throughout his 501-minute innings.His impressive knock of 171 laid the foundation for the victory against West Indies in the two-match Test series at Windsor Park.

India's next Test series will be in South Africa in December-January.

(With PTI inputs)