Team India’s shocking collapse against New Zealand at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium became the talk of the town when they were bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings. While the fans were processing this unexpected failure, Ajinkya Rahane suddenly found himself trending on social media, not for his performance on the field, but because of a video he uploaded that quickly went viral.
India’s Batting Disaster: A Day to Forget
The second day of the Test started after the first day was washed out by rain. Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first, but the decision backfired as India collapsed for their lowest score on home soil. New Zealand’s pace trio made the most of the overcast conditions, ripping through India’s top order. Big names like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t even open their accounts, and the team found themselves all out for just 46 runs.
This embarrassing total immediately led to a wave of trolling on social media, with fans venting their frustration over the team’s dismal performance. While the focus was on India’s failure, a different conversation started brewing about Ajinkya Rahane.
Rahane’s Video: The Unintentional Stir
Just as India was struggling, Rahane, who hasn’t been a part of the national team for over a year, posted a video on his social media account. In the video, Rahane was seen practicing his batting with the caption, “Ready to strike.” The timing of the post led to widespread speculation, with many fans linking it to India’s failure in Bengaluru. Although Rahane’s post was most likely coincidental, social media users took it as a subtle dig at Team India’s poor performance.
Fans’ Reactions: Trolling and Memes
As soon as Rahane’s video went live, social media erupted with reactions. Some fans saw the humor in it, trolling both Rahane and Team India, while others jumped to Rahane’s defense, calling him a dedicated player focused on his game. Memes and jokes flooded Twitter, with many fans wondering if Rahane’s post was a subtle message to the selectors, reminding them of his readiness to return to the national team.
This isn’t the first time Rahane has found himself in the middle of social media discussions during India’s poor performances. A similar situation occurred earlier when Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara posted practice videos after India struggled against England. That time too, fans criticized and trolled the players for their timing.
Rahane’s Current Focus: Ranji Trophy Comeback
While the internet debated the intention behind Rahane’s video, it’s important to note that he’s currently captaining Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. After a disappointing loss to Baroda in their first match, Rahane seems to be putting in extra effort to lead his team to a comeback in their next game. His practice video might just be a reflection of his dedication to the Ranji Trophy rather than a commentary on Team India’s struggles.
Rahane’s form has been under scrutiny, especially after his recent performances in domestic cricket. With Mumbai needing a strong leader to get back on track, Rahane’s focus seems to be on making an impact in the Ranji Trophy. Whether this video was just a coincidence or a statement of intent, only Rahane knows.
The Larger Picture: Rahane’s Future in Indian Cricket
Rahane’s exclusion from the national team has been a topic of discussion for a while now. Once the vice-captain of the Test side, his lack of form in recent years led to his exclusion. But videos like these suggest that Rahane is still working hard, waiting for an opportunity to make a comeback. Whether or not this happens depends on several factors, including his performances in domestic cricket and the needs of the national team.
For now, fans continue to discuss his future in Indian cricket, with some hoping to see him back in the squad, while others believe the team should look forward with younger talent. But one thing is clear: Rahane is still in the game, and he’s “ready to strike” whenever the opportunity comes.
