Ajinkya Rahane’s assured approach in the middle has been the hallmark of his comeback and the Indian team will need him to maintain form when they tour South Africa later this year, said batting coach Vikram Rathour.

Rahane’s 89 and 46 were probably the only positive for India in their loss to Australia in the World Test Championship final in London last month. It was Rahane’s first Test in 18 months and following that, he was named vice-captain for the ongoing tour of the West Indies.

However, the 35-year-old got out cheaply in the first Test here and would like to make amends in the second game starting in Port of Spain on July 20.

Talking about Rahane’s comeback, Rathour explained what has stood out for him.

“He played really well in the WTC final. He has always been a good player. He was dropped because of bad form. When it comes to technique, you constantly work on that but what stood out for me was that he was much more calm in his approach.

“He was playing late and close to the body. In the conditions in South Africa, you will need somebody like him to come good,” said Rathour.

India’s next Test series will be in South Africa in December-January.

Future bright

Rathour is hugely impressed with young Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance in his debut Test. The youngster's 171 set up a massive win for India.

“I’ve been a selector before, so whenever you pick a player you should pick him with the intent that he will play for India for the next 10 years. He definitely has the potential."