BCCI has named Ajinkya Rahane as India’s captain for the first Test of the two-Test series against New Zealand starting November 25. Rahane has been promoted as captain as India’s permanent Test skipper Virat Kohli has been rested for the T20I series and first Test at Green Park, Kanpur.
Rahane has captained the Indian side in five Tests and won four out of them whereas one ended in a draw. Rahane’s most-talked about win in the series win against Australia earlier this year when Kohli came back home after first Test for his daughter’s birth.
India won the series despite a depleted squad because of injuries on the long tour. The draw was also considered as a big win as Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin showed great resilience to bat through the day despite injuries.
Earlier Rahane had captained India in the one-off Test against Afghanistan and in home series against Australia when Kohli injured his shoulder.
Later, for the second Test at Wankhede Stadium starting December 3, Kohli will be back to lead India against Kane Williamson’s side. The two-Test series is also a part of World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23. It will also be a time for redemption for India after losing the final of the inaugural WTC in Southampton.
