Ajinkya Rahane was named to Team India's team to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final on Wednesday, marking his comeback to the Test squad after a 15-month absence. Rahane last played long-format cricket for India in January 2022, against South Africa in South Africa, and after a disappointing season with the bat, he was dropped from the subsequent Tests against Sri Lanka.

Some, including former cricketer Aakash Chopra, have questioned Rahane's selection, while others, including Harbhajan Singh and Sunil Gavaskar, have endorsed the 34-year-old. According to the Times of India, former India captain and current CSK captain MS Dhoni was informed before selecting Rahane for the showpiece event.

According to the report, the BCCI considered Dhoni's recommendation and subsequently selected the veteran batsman in the side. Rahane bats for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has scored 209 runs in five matches this season. Following his 29-ball 71 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last week, Dhoni stated that it was critical to allow someone like Rahane to bat freely. "We realise someone's potential when we let him bat the way he bats."

We provide him the most flexibility and the best position. "In a team environment, someone has to give up his slot to allow the others to feel more at ease and the team to succeed," Dhoni explained. While the present IPL final will be contested in Ahmedabad on May 28, the Indian squad will regroup soon after, with the WTC Final starting on June 7 at The Oval.