Rahane admits surprise at captaincy pick

India

Batsman Ajinka Rahane has admitted that being made captain for his country's limited-overs tour to Zimbabwe came as a surprise but wants to use the matches to regain his place in the regular side.

With several first-choice players, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, being rested, Rahane was the choice of the selectors to lead a young side to play three ODI's and two T20's starting on 10 July.

Rahane lost his place in the ODI team on the recent tour of Bangladesh and was criticised by skipper Dhoni for not being able to rotate the strike when the pitches are on the slower side.

The 27 year-old Rahane knows that the Zimbabwe tour represents an opportunity to work on his shortcomings and enhance his leadership capabilities.

Rahane told BCCI.tv: "I know how capable I am and I believe in myself. I have learned a lot from whatever cricket I have played in the last four-five years.

"I wasn't thinking about the captaincy. I didn't know about it. It came as a surprise, but whatever domestic and international cricket I've played gave me confidence. I am a very hardworking guy.

"I always want to be the best in the world and I know my capabilities."

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