My record before being dropped from ODIs was really good: Rahane

Tags: India, Ajinkya Madhukar Rahane, ODI

Published on: Aug 28, 2020

Having captained Rajasthan Royals for a major portion of IPL 2019, Ajinkya Rahane will be seen in a new role this year. He was traded to Delhi Capitals during the trade window. While Rahane remains an integral part of India’s Test team, he hasn’t played an ODI since February 2018, missing out on a World Cup spot last year.

At 32 though, Rahane maintains that he is confident of making a comeback, also adding that he had done well even before being dropped. “I am hopeful of making a comeback in white ball cricket. If you see my record before getting dropped in ODIs, it was really good actually. People talk about strike rate and averages. Before getting dropped from 50-over cricket, it was really good. I have faith in myself rather than what people are saying,” Rahane said in a Zoom call from Dubai, according to a Hindustan Times report.

With Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw having done exceedingly well for DC, one is not sure at which position Rahane will bat for his new franchise. “We are still in quarantine, so I don’t know what role I am going to play. Once training starts and the communication within the group happen, we will be aware. I have enjoyed opening the batting but it’s up to the team management,” he further went on to state.

“If there is a situation where I have to bat at No. 5 and 6, I will do it. That way I can explore a new aspect about my game. Once the role is clear it will help. You need at least need five to six sessions to settle in depending on where in the batting order you are,” India’s Test vice-captain explained.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting has joined the team, and the training session of the side will kick off soon. Rahane expressed his excitement at the chance to play under Ponting. “Playing under Ricky Ponting, I am excited. It is the best opportunity to take my game one step forward. We all know him as a player. Obviously, this time due to the Covid rules, the interactions may not happen that much but I can always call him. I have been following Delhi Capitals since the last two years. We have a fantastic bunch of players. Looking forward to play with them,” he added.

On how he spent his time during quarantine, Rahane revealed that he took the opportunity to spend more time with his daughter. “Once I was back from the New Zealand series in February, I started preparing for the IPL. But then the lockdown happened. We did not know when cricket will start again. I used that time to be with my daughter Arya.

“I have not batted for five to six months. I was only doing visualisation, meditation but no cricketing skills. I think the attitude and work ethics will be really important this time. Also, discipline and following all the rules on and off the field is going to be a challenge,” admitted the soft spoken cricketer.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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