Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has not been amused by the poor form of India’s two experienced Test batsmen, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. The duo has been under the scanner in 2021 for their poor form and many believe they are reaching the end of their rope.
Salman Butt feels the experience that Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara have should be made proper use of by them. He certainly feels the time is right for both Rahane and Pujara to pull their socks up and show some consistency.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, here is what Butt had to say about Rahane and Pujara’s poor form: “Rahane and Pujara need to apply what they have. What are they waiting for? With this amount of experience, one needs to deal with their problems on their own. They are not small children for someone to come and pat on their back.”
Salman Butt recalls Ajinkya Rahane’s strong comeback
Ajinkya Rahane especially has been under immense pressure, having made scores of just 35 and 4 in the first Test against New Zealand at Kanpur. With Shreyas Iyer having scored 170 runs in his debut Test, time is running out for Rahane to save his place in the team.
Salman Butt wants Rahane to recall how he had made a strong comeback into the team and wants him to take inspiration from that. Having been the captain in the first Test, Rahane will need to lead by example and put up a strong performance according to Salman Butt.
Commenting on Rahane’s form of late, Butt said: “You have seen enough ups and downs. Remember how you returned to form earlier. Don’t forget you are the captain (for Kanpur Test). A leader needs to charge others. If he himself is constantly searching for form, then things won’t work. Even if he is losing his battle within, he needs to come up and try something and go down fighting.”
