5 reasons why Ajinkya Rahane is the most important member of the Test team

5. India’s best slip catcher without a doubt

Ever since Rahul Dravid who holds the record for having the most slip catches in the history of Test cricket, India have been looking for a solid, bankable, and good fit for the slip position both against fast bowlers and spinners. Ajinkya Rahane has fit into that role rather well, especially over the past year or so.

India have tried various options at first slip - among them Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and even Virat Kohli but there have been missed chances which has affected games. India needed a player who could slip into the important role of a slip catcher and have found out that Ajinkya is the most suited for that position.

His positioning, confidence, agility and alertness makes him Kohli’s go to man when the spinners are bought on into the attack. It becomes imperative that the spinner-slip catcher combination clicks as that combination can win matches for teams.

Classic examples like Shane Warne - Mark Waugh, Muttiah Muralitharan- Mahela Jayawardene come to mind. The success the Sri Lankan and Australian teams saw is proof of that.

Similarly, Rahhane has proved his importance as in 39 Test matches he has grabbed 50 catches and moreover his presence at slip when Ravi Ashwin or Jadeja bowl is a big boost for India when they have bowled over the past year or so resulting in tremendously positive results for the team with them winning 8 Test series in a row which is a milestone in itself.