Published: Feb 27, 2019, 10:47 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 27, 2019, 10:47 AM (IST)
It’s been over a year since Ajinkya Rahane last played an ODI for India but that hasn’t stopped him from dreaming to represent India at the ICC World Cup to be played in England later this year.
Rahane, the Test vice-captain, feels that he has never shied away from putting team ahead of himself and that alone should be enough for the national selectors to give him a fair run in limited-overs cricket.
“I have always thought the country and the team comes first,” Rahane told The Times of India. “Even when I played for Mumbai I started off an as opener, but when the team wanted me to bat at No. 3, I agreed and accepted the challenge. So I don’t think I will ever ask for anything except the team’s cause. Having said that, though, the point that I am trying to make here is that if as a player I have always been committed to the team’s cause, then I deserve chances more consistently. That’s the least I am asking for.”
Rahane’s form has been a little shaky of late but he dismisses the notion that uncertainty in white-ball cricket has anything to do with it. “Frankly, I never think about my personal achievements. But every individual needs confidence and positive vibes like ‘yes, you are there and you are doing it for the team’. I think everyone knows that if someone is backing you, the player gets the confidence to play fearless and positive cricket. Having said that, though, I don’t think my game in Tests is getting affected,” he said.
With a settled batting order, it will be a difficult proposition for Rahane to break into India’s ODI setup, at least for the World Cup. However, the 30-year-old Mumbai batsman is still hopeful and not least because MSK Prasad, the chairman of national selectors, had said Rahane is still a part of their World Cup plans.
“It feels good that I am being considered. But at the same time, you need to get a chance. Things can change anytime. And like every player even I harbour dreams of playing in the World Cup. So yeah, I am hopeful,” he said.
