Ajinkya Rahane was the captain of the Indian team for the second, third, and fourth Test of the Australia tour. Rahane’s approach in batting changed according to the situation, just like as required from the captain. Ajinkya Rahane, in his recent interview, revealed that Rahul Dravid called him before the series when India were leaving for Australia from Dubai. As per Rahane, the former Indian superstar gave some advice to the Indian vice-captain before the commencement of the Down Under series. Rahul Dravid tipped Rahane to be stress-free and to face the Australians with a strong mentality.
Rahul Dravid’s advice to Ajinkya Rahane
‘Don’t take any stress, I know you are leading the team after the first Test. Don’t worry about anything, just be strong mentally. Don’t bat a lot in the nets, which is unlike Rahul Bhai,” Ajinkya Rahane told commentator Harsha Bhogle in an interaction. “Rahul Bhai loves batting and he was like ‘that’s the mistake I did’. He said, ‘don’t bat a lot in the nets, your preparation is really good, you’re batting so well. So, don’t take any pressure. Just think about how you are going to lead the team, how you are going to give confidence to the players. Don’t worry about the result, it will take care of itself’. That conversation really made it easy — Rahul Bhai telling me to not bat a lot in the nets. It was really good,” added Rahane.
Ajinkya Rahane heaped praises over Rahul Dravid for nourishing the youngsters
Rahane said, “Rahul Bhai plays a very big role. He was with the Under-19 team, then he was with India A, and now he is with the National Cricket Academy. (The system) has helped Mohammed Siraj, Saini… They have been on their toes and they did so well. Shubman Gill also, Mayank Agarwal… Before joining international cricket, he did so many tours with India A, got runs at the domestic level. So, I think Rahul bhai’s role was massive,” said Rahane.
India fought out a remarkable draw in the third Test and won the second and fourth to clinch the ‘Border Gavaskar’ series 2-1. Ajinkya Rahane’s name will go down in the history of Indian Cricket as one of the most successful Test captains. Ajinkya Rahane said, “The entire nation is enjoying what happened in Australia. It was very special for everyone. The Australia series is behind us, we have to now focus on the England series and do well”. Ajinkya Rahane says he hasn’t given much thought to suggestions of taking over as permanent Test captain and commends Rahul Dravid’s “massive” role in nurturing young talent.
Virat Kohli will be the captain for upcoming India vs England series and Ajinkya Rahane will sit back as a vice-captain. India have already started training for the upcoming Test series against England.
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