WTC final: 'He is a wonderful player' - Salman Butt backs Ajinkya Rahane to come good

Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is an integral cog of the Indian setup. However, the right-hander has not been in the best form. Rahane averaged 22.75, 38.29 and 18.67 in his last three series against New Zealand, Australia and England respectively. While few experts have questioned Rahane’s place in the squad, former Pakistan opener Salman Butt believes that Rahane has a lot to offer to the Indian team.

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Despite his poor run, Rahane, every now and then, plays a match-winning knock to showcase his abilities with the bat. His magnificent hundred in the Melbourne Test scripted a memorable turnaround for a depleted Indian side in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Rahane has a magnificent record against New Zealand and averages 50 in the 7 Tests, including a hundred and  two half-centuries.

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"What is the need to look at the past? He will definitely play as he is the vice captain of the side. If he does well now (in WTC final), everything from the past will be null and void. I'm sure he is seeing it like that. This is an opportunity. His history of criticism will be turned into zero. He's a wonderful player. He has a hundred in England and it can be repeated. He has a hundred in Australia, he led the team to victory. There are lot of positives. It's people's choice to see what they want to see." Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel.

Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t have a record to boast about in England. In the 10 tests in the UK, Rahane averages just 29.26. However, he is a key member of the Indian setup and will be keen to make his presence count in the WTC final.

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