Is it time for Ajinkya Rahane to move to a higher level?

Time for higher responsibility?

Along with making significant contributions with the bat, Rahane has also been exceptional in the slips, latching on to every chance that has come his way, particularly off the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin.

He has adjusted himself to every situation in Tests and almost succeeded every time like how he was asked to bat at Number 3 in Sri Lanka and he responded with a hundred in the second Test.

Whatever the conditions and situation, Rahane has come out on top in almost all cases

The Mumbaikar has been the ideal team man in every aspect and its time that he is given a bigger role within the setup. There are quite a few similarities to this team and the one that took India to many a famous win between 2000 and 2005.

Like then, India are being led by a flamboyant leader now, who seems to not fear any opponent regardless of stature. Like then, the most dependable batsman in this unit is a man who keeps a low profile but is mighty effective when he enters the ground.

Ganguly is often applauded for the way he marshalled his resources and skippered India to several commendable performances. But in Dravid, he had a deputy who provided him with the calmness and the assurance that there was someone who could bail the team out, whatever the situation, whatever the conditions.

Just like then, Kohli needs someone as a backup who will let him relax in peace when he isn't around for whatever reasons. That man could be Rahane. He led India in coloured clothing earlier this year in Zimbabwe and led the side to a win and then led them in the T20 series as well where the two-match rubber finished on a stalemate.

There is a line-of-thought that he doesn't have a lot of leadership experience, but I have no doubt that if made vice-captain in the longer format, he can pick up a few tricks and put them to good use when a chance comes his way, along with employing his own style.

Few would argue that Rahane has been India’s best player along with Vijay across all conditions in the last 2 years and its time now he is given a more vital role within the setup.