The announcement of India’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of West Indies has sparked a division among fans. The two-match Test series is scheduled to commence with the opening game in Windsor Park, Dominica on July 12, followed by the second match at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad from July 20 onwards.
The inclusion of new faces such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mukesh Kumar, along with the omission of Cheteshwar Pujara, has become a topic of discussion among fans. However, the most significant point of contention for some supporters is the appointment of Ajinkya Rahane as the vice-captain of the team, with Rohit Sharma leading the side.
India have been playing Test matches without a designated vice-captain since KL Rahul was removed from the position during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. Rahane, who made his comeback in the Indian squad during the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final after being dropped and losing his central contract earlier this year, delivered an outstanding performance in the summit clash. He scored 89 and 46 in the two innings, contributing significantly to India’s performance.
Though Rahane has only played one Test match since his return, his appointment as the vice-captain generated mixed reactions on social media. Fans have expressed varied opinions regarding the decision, highlighting the need for further discussions and debate.
Here’s how Indian cricket fans reacted on Twitter:
Rahane back as VC, You know who’s replacing RO after the windies tour.
Aamchi Anbuden!😉💛 pic.twitter.com/hPKN14D38O
— 🦅 (@HustlerAkshat) June 23, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane back as Vice captain in Tests
Good sign for Indian Test cricket pic.twitter.com/rtVdafEgi4— Cricket Enthusiast (@tarunreddyoo7) June 23, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane is back as Vice – Captain of Indian Test Team !! 🤍🥳#WhistlePodu | #AjinkyaRahane | #WIvIND
📸: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/4BSmTjQDXS— Saravanan Hari 💛🦁🏏 (@CricSuperFan) June 23, 2023
Got dropped, came back, scored in 1 game and Rahane is vc again. 😭😭😭 We are never grooming a proper skipper for post-Rohit times. Grow some braincells, selection committee. https://t.co/UnFs2WY0Fq
— Manya (@CSKian716) 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
Ajinkya Rahane is vice captan. 😭 BCCI truly works on the narrative set by Cricket Tweeter. CT is running this board.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 23, 2023
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
Wait, Rahane straight back to vice-captain? 😂#WIvIND
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) June 23, 2023
Ajinkya Rahane (VC) has a nice ring to it. pic.twitter.com/YK6UrNdYEN
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) June 23, 2023
Why we need VC.
And if it was needed why not groom a future captain to be VCHappy for Ajinkya but this was unnecessary promotion. https://t.co/yzBF4CGIZB
— subu sastry (@suubsy) June 23, 2023