The curious case of Ajinkya Rahane, vice-captain of the Test side, once more | IND vs WI

Amid suggestions that Team India should start giving more opportunities to youngsters in the squad, Ajinkya Rahane's re-appointment as the Test vice-captain came as a surprise to many.

In the past 16 months, the 35-year-old has played only one Test match for India, the WTC Final in 2023.

BCCI selectors dropped vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara after a poor show versus Australia in June and Rahane was handed his previous position.

But several fans are questioning whether Rahane deserves the spot after playing one good knock of 89 against the Kangaroos.

After being dropped in January 2022 following India's 2-1 Test series loss in South Africa, Rahane went back to domestic cricket.

High-scoring performances in Ranji and Duleep Trophy and match-winning knocks in the Indian Premier League in 2023 sealed Ajinkya's comeback in the World Test Championship Final versus Australia.

While the shock responses are warranted, Ajinkya Rahane is also the man who led India to the historic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21.

It remains to be seen who will eventually succeed Rohit Sharma but for now the Mumbai boys are all set to lead India in the team's first series of the 2023-25 WTC cycle.

Here are some mixed reactions to Rahane's appointment:

Ajinkya Rahane was out of team for a while, scores good in one game and is the vice captain of test squad, keep talking about planning,building for the future and so on...This board is just running on hype, money and Ipl bandwagon!

Absolute shortsighted fools! https://t.co/RNa8OrRiJl

— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) June 23, 2023

Ajinkya Rahane, despite playing over 80 Test matches, has maintained an avg of 39, which can be considered moderate considering his pos. In his last 53 matches, he averages 32, which is below the expected standard. Perplexing decision to grant him VC and make him undroppable. https://t.co/ZN0RWgqGlW

— Stephen N (@albatrosscric) June 23, 2023

Talk about a rollercoaster ride! Ajinkya Rahane's journey in 2023:

Dropped from the Test team in February, Made a remarkable comeback to the Test squad in June, proving his mettle. And now reappointed as Vice Captain for Tests in June.

Rahane's resilience and determination are… pic.twitter.com/Agt1d6HKHD

— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) June 23, 2023

Ajinkya Rahane (🇮🇳) has been named the Vice-Captain of the Indian Test team! 👏

A well-deserved honor for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the team. pic.twitter.com/jMKvWmMR5w

— Vicky Singh (@VickyxCricket) June 23, 2023