By now, the Indian middle-order has already been strain-tested in challenging conditions abroad in red-ball cricket. One of the pillars of the Indian batting in whites is Ajinkya Rahane.
Rahane faced the likes of Trent Boult and Tim Southee in New Zealand, the wrath of Kagiso Rabada and co. in South Africa, as well as dealt with the hostilities Downunder against the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
However, Rahane, when asked about the toughest bowler he faced in home conditions, has named prospect of facing James Anderson as the most challenging in his career.
Anderson, along with Stuart Broad, have dominated visiting batting lineups, with their relentless line and lengths, swing and seam movements. The two have more than 1000 Test wickets in aggregate.
“(But) especially talking about one particular bowler – James Anderson in England is really challenging. He knows the conditions well. He (Anderson) is the one,” Rahane said during a recent Instagram Live session.
Facing the likes of Anderson and Broad, Rahane brought up his breakthrough knock at Lord’s, scoring a marvellous ton on an absolute green-top.
Anderson is the leading wicket-taker amongst active bowlers, with a whopping tally of 584 Test wickets.
Rahane was all set to resume his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for his new franchise, Delhi Capitals. After serving the Rajasthan Royals for several seasons, the Jaipur-based franchise released Rahane prior to the auctions of IPL 2020.
The Mumbai cricketer joins India’s Test specialist Ravichandran Ashwin, Hanuma Vihari and Ishant Sharma in the Capitals’ roster.
Lately, Rahane remained optimistic about his chances to feature in the limited-overs Indian side. However, his chances have been dented further with the indefinite suspension of the IPL amid COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in India.
