Good attitude over individual performance for Ajinkya Rahane

Back to the grind of domestic cricket, Ajinkya Rahane is in a race against time to prove his credentials in one-day cricket. India are slated to play just 17 more ODIs before the ICC World Cup 2019.

Rahane’s last ODI was in February in South Africa and he was dropped from the limited-overs squad after managing just one half-century across the six-match series.

He has been named captain of the India C side in the Deodhar Trophy which got underway from Tuesday in Delhi. “After coming from international cricket, you’ve got to have the same attitude and the same intensity when you go on to the field,” Rahane was quoted as saying by PTI on Tuesday.

Rahane, who averages 35.26 in 90 ODIs, isn’t worried about his own performance. He wants to help his team do well which will automatically affect his own display. “I am not thinking about individual performances or outcomes, it’s all about playing with a good attitude in domestic cricket and sending a good message.

“I always believe that you are always a student. When you step on to the field, you learn something or the other each and every day. The attitude which I bring in international cricket, I want to continue with that and help my team always because when you help your team you automatically do well.”

Three teams – India A, India B, India C – will be vying for the Deodhar Trophy and Rahane’s advise to them is to focus on a ‘good attitude’ and enjoy their game.

“There are certain things you can’t control and that’s something that I always believe in. What you can control is your good attitude on the field, and your dedication on the field, and the passion to play cricket. That’s what you can control. That’s the only message I’ll give: just go out there and enjoy your cricket with passion. Play with a good attitude,” he said.