Five reasons why Ajinkya Rahane should be a regular member of the ODI team

#3 The numbers don’t lie

Rahane has scored 19 half-centuries in ODIs

A simple look at Rahane’s numbers reveals the sheer brilliance of this unassuming, quiet batsman. In Tests, his average is 47.61 with nine centuries and 12 half centuries to his name. This is what critics used, to suggest that his ODI record was poor when compared to his numbers in Tests.

While there is a certain amount of truth in that, it has to be conceded that Rahane’s ODI numbers are still good enough to warrant his inclusion. A veteran of 79 ODIs, Rahane has scored 2578 runs at an average of 34.37 with three centuries and 19 half-centuries.

Though it is apparent that his conversion rate is poor in ODIs, 19 half-centuries in itself is a number that cannot be taken lightly. The numbers don’t lie — Rahane is good enough to walk into any ODI team.