Rahane up for the challenge

India batsman Ajinkya Rahane says that he doesn’t have any problem batting at number four in ODIs.

Rahane has opened more often than not during his ODI career but on South African wickets he has all the skills to be a top number four.

His innings in the first ODI provided the perfect foil to Virat Kohli and showed his strength in pacey conditions.

Rahane said ahead of the second ODI at Supersport Park on Sunday:  “I really enjoyed batting at No. 4.

“This is not something new to me because I batted at No. 4 in the 2015 World Cup [and] also in a few other series, so really enjoyed batting in that position.

“We just wanted to spend time in the middle. I was confident in myself and my ability. We knew that we wanted to build one partnership, and that’s what we did.”

Rahane allowed himself to get in without India losing touch with the required run rate at Kingsmead.

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The usual vice-captain credits his mental approach for his success in the first ODI.

He said: “It’s all about how you think, especially when you bat No.3 and 4, it’s all about how you think.

“My mindset was just to take my time initially, and then later on back my instincts. I’m naturally an attacking batsman. And these wickets suit me a lot.

“Good pace and bounce. Plan was to take my time initially and if I get set, carry on my innings.

“I don’t see any difficulties in batting at No. 4. I have mentioned many times that I am ready to bat at any position the team management tells me to.

“My mindset is such that whatever my team management tells me to do I always give positive response on that. So my mind is always ready to take any opportunity that comes my way.”