Last Updated on 9 months ago by Charbel Coorey
It’s about giving my best in this Test match and helping Virat out: Ajinkya Rahane | Rahane says that starting well in Tests is crucial
Ajinkya Rahane has been given a much bigger role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy that is set to begin in Adelaide. Though the visiting team has won the previous time, there is still pressure as the Aussies well back two-star players – Steve Smith and David Warner who also seem to be in great form.
“We do have a strong attack. We will miss Ishant, he is a senior fast bowler. But the guys who are here – Umesh (Yadav), (Navdeep) Saini, (Mohammad) Siraj with Jasprit and Shami – are all experienced and they know how to bowl in these conditions. It is all about bowling in partnerships for us,” Rahane said on Tuesday (December 15)”, said the vice-captain.
The middle-order batsman feels that the pink-ball is going to be all about the momentum as he feels the Indian team has got the capability of taking 20 wickets. “Ashwin’s role will be very important, he is experienced and has got variety in his bowling. His role as a bowler and as a batsman will be really important. I am sure he will have a very good series,” Rahane said.
Talking about the new cricketing rules which starts even before the game begins, Rahane said that the quarantine is definety challenging but they were lucky enough to get practice sessions. “The preparation was really good. We got time this year to practise and plan really well. The two practice matches helped us before the first Test match. We are looking forward to starting well in this series. Getting used to the conditions is really important and playing as a team is the key, When you play for your country, you don’t need to tell anyone anything. That’s the motivation. Luckily in Australia, the situation is much better. Now, it is about thinking about the series rather than focusing on other things,” said Rahane.
The captaincy has been a matter of concern for the visitors as Virat Kohli will head back home after first Test to welcome his first child. Rahane has been named as the captain in Kohli’s absence also Rohit Sharma has left India, to be part of the last two Tests. believe in staying in the present.
“Right now, Virat is our captain. We think about this Test match and then after that, when he leaves, we will discuss our plans. For me, it’s about giving my best in this Test match and helping Virat out”, Rahane said.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
