India vs SL, 3rd T20I: Last chance for Ajinkya Rahane to secure Asia Cup, WorldT20 spot

A failure on Sunday could prove costly for Rahane, who warmed India's bench during the 3-0 sweep Down Under.

New Delhi: In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane had the ideal chance to cement his place in India's playing eleven for the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC World T20.

Unfortunately for the Mumbaikar, scores of 4 and 25 have further weakened his case for a spot in the India side for the two marquee events.

While he is the mainstay of India's batting in Tests, there is lack of clarity over his batting position T20Is.

Rahane hasn't helped himself either with just one fifty in 15 T20I matches.

Despite performing well for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, the right-hander's numbers for India are hardly noteworthy.

The form of India's openers means there is no chace of the team management fiddling with the combination up top.

Ultimately, MS Dhoni will have to take a call between Yuvraj Singh and Rahane when Kohli comes back into the side.

But the skipper has assured to give the southpaw a fair chance going forward. This effectively puts Rahane's neck on the chopping block.

Assuming Dhoni sticks with the same team as the first two T20Is, Rahane on Sunday has to make his innings count.

A failure in Vizag could prove costly for the 27-year-old, who warmed India's bench during the 3-0 sweep Down Under.