5 things that showed Ajinkya Rahane can be a great bet as a captain

#4 Bowling changes

Rahane was spot on with his bowling changes (Image credits: BCCI)

Rahane is not a born leader, nor does he have much experience as a captain. However, it was evident from what we saw in the fourth Test that as he had progressed as a batsman and as a cricketer, he has never stopped learning.

He was seen discussing with the senior players like Cheteshwar Pujara before making a crucial bowling change. At the same time, though, he relied on his own instincts. When Australia came out to bat on Day Three, Rahane persisted with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav for a long time at the start of the innings, something that is not seen often in Indian conditions.

The way he was rotating his bowlers, especially the pacers was something noteworthy. Australia were cruising at lunch on Day One, and yet, as soon as play resumed after the customary break, Rahane handed Kuldeep Yadav the bowl ahead of the number one and number two Test bowlers in the world.

Ashwin and Jadeja were not very effective as the pitch was not offering much turn. Had Rahane not persisted with Kuldeep, Australia may well have crossed the 400 mark and things would have been very different.