Rahane: ‘I’m younger and there is loads of cricket left in me’
“I’m still young and there’s a lot of cricket left in me. In the last one year or so, I’ve worked a lot on my fitness,” Rahane mentioned after rain reduce brief India’s coaching session for a second day in a row at Windsor Park. “There were a few points in my batting that I’ve worked on. I’m enjoying my cricket a lot, enjoying my batting. I’m not thinking too much into the future. Every game is important, personally and also from the team point of view. I’m focusing on just that.”
Since being overlooked of the Test aspect in February 2022, Rahane has centered on deriving pleasure out of the sport with out setting any expectations. He captained Mumbai throughout codecs within the 2022-23 home season, main them to the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 title, whereas additionally throwing in some compelling performances with the bat.
In all first-class cricket since September 2022 till February this 12 months, he scored 884 runs in 16 innings with three tons of and a half-century at 58.93. The numbers, glorious although not world beating, had been an indication that he had stored himself within the hunt ought to a spot open up.
As it turned out, India wanted expertise for the WTC last in Shreyas Iyer’s absence. And when Rahane obtained the decision, he was batting within the method few anticipated him to within the IPL, going from an anchor to a full-blown boundary-hitter.
“Nothing has changed,” Rahane insisted when requested of this newest flip in his profession. “CSK gave me a role, and you try to fulfil that role. Prior to that, my role was of an anchor, [and] I played according to that. CSK told me, ‘You have freedom, go out and play according to that’. I’m actually a stroke-maker, I always look for runs. The role has changed, nothing else has changed. I’ve always said I’ll fulfil the role the team gives me. That’s what I’m focusing on.”
“The role Rohit gives me, I’ll fulfil that. Playing under Rohit is great,” Rahane mentioned. “He gives freedom to the players, and then backs them. They’re signs of a great captain. I’m feeling good. We share a great equation. I’m used to this role [as vice-captain]. I did the job for almost five years, but I’m really happy to be back in the team. Really happy to be back as vice-captain.”
“My message will be to go out there and express himself, and not think too much about international cricket. It’s about playing with freedom”
Team-mates at Mumbai, Ajinkya Rahane has some recommendation for the uncapped Yashasvi Jaiswal
Having been part of the reserves for the WTC last, Jaiswal has now been given an elevation into the principle squad. It’s doubtless he can be handed a cap to fit in both on the high or at one drop rather than Cheteshwar Pujara.
“I’m really happy for him. He’s an exciting talent,” Rahane mentioned. “He’s done really well for Mumbai, [and] did well in the IPL. Most important [is] the way he’s batting in red-ball cricket. His record is good, he did well in the Duleep Trophy last year and for Mumbai as well. My message will be to just go out there and express himself the way he’s batting, and not think too much about [the stage of] international cricket. It’s about going in the middle and playing with freedom.”
“Siraj is there as a senior bowler, [and] Jaydev has a lot of experience. The other two guys [Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini] are pretty much experienced, so it’s an opportunity,” Rahane mentioned. “[Mohammed] Shami is our senior bowler who has really done well for us, but with a long season ahead, need to give him a rest as well.
“At the identical time, we aren’t underestimating West Indies. We do not know what persons are saying on the skin, however we’re positively not taking them calmly. Their efficiency at dwelling in Tests has been good within the final one to 2 years. We’ve had good preparation in Barbados earlier than coming in, so we’re properly lined. It’s all about beginning properly now.”
Shashank Kishore is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo