Rahane living in the now

Rahane

India batsman Ajinkya Rahane says he in not looking too far ahead when it comes to his place in the ODI side.

Rahane has been opening the batting in place of Shikhar Dhawan, who pulled out of the series for personal reasons, and notched a well-played fifty in Kolkata.

He has become accustomed to being shifted around the order and in and out of the team having been askd to bat everywhere from six to opening and losing his place despite earning the man of the series award against the West Indies.

The number four slot has been occupied by Manish Pandey and Lokesh Rahul with neither able to nail down the position which could open the door for Rahane to be retained when Dhawan returns.

Speaking ahead of India’s training session on Saturday Rahane said: “I don’t think about the future. I do my best whenever I get my opportunities. That’s what matters. I always think about staying in the present. When Shikhar comes back, we all don’t know what’s going to happen. For me, important thing is to give my all for the team.

“So the best thing for me is to stick to my gameplan and if I get opportunities, try to do my best for team. Every time you can’t think about hundreds, even if you get crucial 45-50, or 70 runs for your team, that is what matters. I always want to do that.”

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Rahane feels the difference between opening and batting in the middle order is in the mental approach to the game.

He added: “It’s completely mental (adjustment). The good thing in this team is anyone can bat at anywhere. We have that flexibility. I have batted at top, numbers 3,4 and 5. It’s important to handle that situation and utilize that situation. If you adjust in mind, you can adapt anywhere.”

The Test vice-captain praised spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal for the role they have played in putting India 2-0 ahead in the five match ODI series.

Rahane said: “It’s a good sign that they (Australians) are not able to pick them. They both are quality spinners, did well in domestic circuit. They are actually improving day by day. In ODI cricket, if you are taking wickets in middle overs and not giving runs at the same time, it’s good to have them. They are not taking things for granted and that’s a good sign.”

 

 

 

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