Who is a better pick for the third test as opener - Rahane or Dhawan?
By ram_cv
@ram_cv (16513)
India
March 7, 2013 3:29pm CST
Now that Sehwag has been dropped, the million dollar question is who will replace him at the top. As the selectors have not named any replacement, the choice is between Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan. Rahane strangely has been selected for the middle order by the selectors, which makes Dhawan the favorite for the opener's slot at Mohali. But, my personal preference would be to play Rahane ahead of Dhawan.
What are your views on this?
Cheers!
Ram
1 person likes this
8 responses
@rahul_2689 (634)
• Hyderabad, India
8 Mar 13
Its a difficult one this. Dhawan's been in and around the national team for quite some time. Be it bad luck or lack of continued opportunities, his career somehow never took off really. Rahane on the other hand if fresh out of the IPL but after a decent start to his international career (I remember him doing well in a couple of matches or so), some frailties in his technique were badly exposed.
For the mere fact that I've never seen Dhawan getting an extended chance, I'd like to see him get the nod ahead of Rahane this one time.
2 people like this
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
8 Mar 13
One thing that might work out in Dhawan's favor is that he is a left hander and the think tank might want a right-left combination at the top. Otherwise I would still feel that Rahane should be given the chance ahead of Dhawan, if only to assess whether he has learnt from the past mistakes and willing to improve.
Cheers!
Ram
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
9 Mar 13
But, I think these are the last two matches before we go on the tour of South Africa, so we do not have too much time for trying out different players. So given that I would still go for Rahane and see if he has worked out his problems with the incoming ball that he faced against Finn. If he has he goes to South Africa, else Gambhir comes back.
Cheers!
Ram
@rahul_2689 (634)
• Hyderabad, India
9 Mar 13
I do believe Rahane can go on to become India's first choice opener in all 3 formats and he has time on his side. I'm just sure if a player should be given a chance to iron out flaws in technique at the test level. Another season of domestic cricket should prepare him to represent India. Dhawan on the other hand hasn't necessarily got his dues and even though I can't say he's the future like in Rahane's case, I feel he deserves it more now than Rahane does.
2 people like this
@amitjoamon (117)
• India
8 Mar 13
Shikhar Dhawan, due to his past experience against Australia. He has better class than Ajinkya as per me, but usually what expected from Dhoni is UNEXPECTED. so i guess Ajinkya will be in playing 11.
@thewonderboy (7501)
• India
9 Mar 13
Yes both Rahane and Dhawan are good players. But I think Dhoni has much faith in Rahane. So in my opinion Dhoni may go with Rahane in the third match against Australia.
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@stardustcdsd (1856)
• India
9 Mar 13
I have seen Dhawan bat in IPL but i haven't seen him bat in Ranji matches.
As for Rahane, the way he struggled against the English quicks during the ODI series was painful to watch.
I am not sure Rahane can show the same application like Pujara.
So i would go with Dhawan and Vijay combo for the next 2 series.
Besides if Vijay fails in the next 2 matches, rahane might find himself in South Africa as an opener.
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@sajujohn (1005)
• India
8 Mar 13
I am also of the same opinion as yours. Rahane is my favorite in playing for the next test match ahead of Dhawan. Because he is more experienced than Dhawan in International terms. But I don't think he will get a chance to open the innings as the selectors already declared that he has been included in the team as a middle order batsman. Also it will be interesting to see this change as it is for the first time India is going to open the innings without Sehwag- Gambhir pair within 9 years since they joined together in 2004.
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@anilhclites (844)
• India
8 Mar 13
No the pair was dropped for so many years. Don't you remember that Jaffer and Dinesh Kartic used to open in Test in 2007. After only 2008, they remain in team India.
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@anilhclites (844)
• India
8 Mar 13
Seeing Rahane, I do not feel confident. The way Finn bowled him twice leave so many doubts in Dhoni's mind. There was a lot of gap between bat and ball. It was not a case of bat came late in line, it seemed like he was playing a different ball. That was terrible to see. Please see that video. Dhawan has made lots of run in domestic cricket and he is the one who should be given a chance. I think Dhawan will finally get his blue test cap on 14.
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@ram_cv (16513)
• India
8 Mar 13
I agree those two dismissals were not good for Rahane. But on the other side he has also performed well in T20s and ODIs to some extent. Dhawan currently is an unproven quality at this level. So I still feel that it should be Rahane who should get the nod ahead of Dhawan.
Cheers!
Ram
@anilhclites (844)
• India
11 Mar 13
Rahane look stylish but I will give Dhawan a chance for his colossal runs in domestic season. I am not saying with authority that Dhawan is going to be a hit in Test matches but he should be given a chance for his hard work at domestic level.
@thewonderboy (7501)
• India
9 Mar 13
In my opinion, Rahane should play instead of Sehwag as the opener. Because he has some more experience against the classic pace bowlers. And I am sure that he will try his maximum to score more runs and to assure his position in the test squad.
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