India is looking forward to lift up the world cup trophy for the third time after 1983 and 2011. Indian  squad for the World Cup is pretty much decided with only a few spots up for grabs. But the 3rd opener and middle order slot are up for grabs. KL Rahul is being tried as an opener while Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar are fighting out for places in the middle order. However, there is Ajinkya Rahane missing from all the talk.

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The test vice-captain has not been seen in the Blue jersey for almost a year now, with his last match being in South Africa in February 2018.  He is certainly disappointed that he was not picked for the ongoing Australia limited-overs series, as this is the last international series that India will play before the World Cup in May. He has now expressed that he is still hopeful of a World Cup spot even though he has not played for India since February.

Rahane told Hindu, “I am very much hopeful. Like I said, I keep negative thoughts away and you never know, things can change any time,” Rahane told The Hindu. He further added, “Playing the World Cup is a dream every cricketer cherishes. I do respect the selectors and team management’s performances and I think I deserve a chance.”

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Rahane also said that he has performed well and his avarge is also quite well. He said,  “I also believe that my performances were really good. If you see the last three-four series, my average was around 45 to 50. After I was dropped, I went back to domestic cricket and feel I have done reasonably well. The point is that if as a player I have always played for the team, then I deserve chances more consistently. That’s the least I am asking.”