Veteran middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane made a veiled attack on the selectors and team management after India suffered a crushing defeat in the opening Test against South Africa. India lost by an innings and 32 runs inside three days on a lively track at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.

Only K L Rahul, who made 101 in the first innings and Virat Kohli (38 & 76) showed the stomach for fight as the tourists managed just 245 and 131 in the two innings. The Indians lasted just 67.4 overs and 34.1 overs respectively.

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The only plus for India was that they got two additional rest days ahead of the second and final Test starting in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Rahane wrote on X on Friday: 'No rest days' along a with a video of him gearing up for the Ranj Trophy, which begins next Friday. 

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The Mumbaikar was unceremoniously dropped after the two-Test series against the West Indies in July. The 35-year-old had forced his way back into the Test squad after a stellar IPL 2023 for eventual champions Chennai Super Kings.

Rahane has over 5,000 Test runs from 85 Tests.

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