The shy, brown-eyed boy from Mumbai, Ajinkya Rahane, is currently on cloud 9 after his successful rendezvous as interim Indian skipper in the ‘Border Gavaskar’ Test series. Ajinkya Rahane led an injury-prone, Virat Kohli-deficit Indian side to a thumping win against the Australians on their own soil. The courageous efforts of the Indians gathered tons of praises for the 32-year-old, as some went ahead to tip him as the best Indian Test skipper of all time, credits to his perfect red-ball captaincy record to date.
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Ajinkya Rahane is happy to play under Virat Kohli again
Ajinkya Rahane maintained a straight face even during India’s historic win as Gabba. The right-handed batsman refused to cut a kangaroo-shaped cake while celebrating India’s win at his home town. These little details about Rahane turned his critics into his fans. Many suggested that Rahane should be made India’s permanent captain in the Test format. Former Indian cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi compared Rahane to India’s legendary captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
However, Rahane remains grounded despite his latest triumphs. He is happy to be the second in charge and has no problem seeing his good friend Virat Kohli lead the Indian side. Ajinkya Rahane, in the latest interview with Indian Express, spoke about his long due success and how he is totally fine in playing the role of India’s vice-captain.
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“It’s all just sinking in. The compliments from the legends means a lot and I respect it. I respect what the critics say too. You have to take it in your stride. You can’t get over-confident. I just humbly accept the compliments. My aim is to do well for my country and keep improving as a cricketer, whether as a captain or a vice-captain or a player. I believe that every time we step on the field there is an opportunity to do something special for the country. So it’s all just sinking in. It is a really proud moment.,” said Rahane.
“We both are really good friends. We just want to do well for the country. Let me tell you, Virat is the captain now and I am the vice-captain. The situation is back to what it was. He is captain and I am vice-captain, and I am enjoying my role. When Virat left after the Adelaide match, my aim was similar to his — to do well for my country and to get the best out of every player. We both are really close and really good friends… I am happy to take a back-seat in the England series and continue,” he explained.
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