Published: Sep 20, 2015, 10:16 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 20, 2015, 10:16 AM (IST)
Ajinkya Rahane has been receiving a lot of compliments for his tremendous skills as a Test player and recently the former Australian captain Steve Waugh compared him with the Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Speaking to the The Telegraph, Rahane talked about the comparisons, his preparations for the South Africa series at home, a place where he has not played that many Tests. He is also the vice-captain of the Test team for India and talked about his role and asserted that he was a team man first before being an individual playing the game of cricket. Following are some of the excerpts from the interview. Read: Ajinkya Rahane awarded Honorary membership of CCI
Speaking on the compliment from Steve, Rahane said, “Coming from Steve, it’s a big compliment. To compare me with Sachinpaaji, my idol, is in itself huge. Steve’s comment is going to inspire me, motivate me even more. Read it in the newspaper…Besides, some well-wishers also told me about the comment… I’ll thank Steve when I meet him.” About his preparations for the South Africa series, Rahane was optimistic about India’s chances. “Excited, that we’ll be playing at home after almost a year. We respect South Africa and are aware that starting the T20Is and the ODIs, which precede the four Tests, will be very important. From the team’s perspective, I’d say momentum, which is why starting well is so critical. From the point of view of individual players, what matters the most is staying in the moment, staying in the present. I live in the present, stay in the moment,” he said. Read: Steve Waugh: Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane will go down as all-time great batsmen
Indian players got a much deserved break before the long home season coming up, speaking about Rahane was happy to have got some time off. He said, “Indeed, yes… It’s important to switch off. I’ve already resumed the gym work, for this would be another long season and it’s necessary to be fit both in the mind and physically.” Speaking about the manner in which he goes about the game, and his approach he said, “For me, it’s more responsibility, not more pressure. I enjoy challenges and the high expectations are a kind of challenge. I know that I need to focus sharply and if I do, then the results would fall in place. As long as my attitude is good, I don’t have to worry. Consistently giving more than 100 per cent on the field… Having a good work ethic, looking at the team’s interests first and staying away from distractions. Work ethic is the key.” Read: Ajinkya Rahane: I want to become India’s biggest-ever match winner
Rahane has played under both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and he was all praises for both of them. “I see a lot in common… Both (Dhoni and Kohli) have very good leadership qualities. Also, both have a common goal: To help take India forward. For both, the team comes first. That’s the way it should be. I believe every captain has his own identity and style. Therefore, there could be something to learn from every captain.” Read: Ajinkya Rahane ready to do anything for Indian team
