xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_24507" align="alignnone" width="580"] Indian vice captain Ajinkya Rahane has said that the team would like to dominate the forthcoming series against England. File Pic.[/caption] Internet Desk: India’s middle order batsman Ajinkya Rahane on Monday said that his elevation as the vice captain in the Indian test team has galvanized him to do better. Rahane, who avaerages 51.37 in test matches has scored 8 centuries and 9 half centuries so far. He will be coming back after a brilliant 188 runs against New Zealand in the recently concluded test series. “I am really happy that BCCI gave me this responsibility. As a player you learn many things and as vice captain of a team the mind is always alert. I am learning new things as player and vice captain and I am happy BCCI and selectors have given me this opportunity. I think it will bring out the best in me” Rahane said to the media persons ahead of team's practise session at Rajkot. The Indian team under Virat Kohli has done reasonably well winning four test series at a trot. Asked to compare Virat’s captaincy with Dhoni, Rahane said, “Virat is pretty aggressive as captain; MS Dhoni is cool and calm. I feel Virat learnt a lot from MS Dhoni, and he’s applying himself. He’s looking to be calm under pressure. He’s leading from the front for all of us.” He further added,  “It’s been very good to play under Virat’s captaincy. He’s completely a team man, his inputs; his words during our team meetings and strategy are completely different. We are enjoying playing under Virat’s captaincy.” Talking about the Decision Review System which will be implemented in the series as a trial run, Rahane admitted that the team has made some plans on how to approach the technology on offer. “It’s a completely new concept. We have to wait and see about DRS. We have been discussing about this from the last series (against New Zealand) and we have (formulated) some plans. We will spend some (more) time explaining about DRS (to team members), how it works and how we should approach it, but the main focus is to play good, attacking cricket and DRS will come later on.” There has been a lot of debate about the use of DRS in the series as the Indian board had been vehemently opposing it, citing lack of accuracy. The Indian vice-captain played down the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of DRS and emphasized that the team is more focused on playing to its strengths rather than thinking about it. “We are looking to play some good cricket. Right now we are focussed on building our strength and playing to our strengths,” said Rahane. Rahane will have an important role to play as he normally field at slips for spinners. His and wicket-keeper Saha’s inputs will be very vital for the optimum use of DRS. “The wicketkeeper is very important (in the use of DRS) and as a slip fielder you have that role to convey the message to the captain and the bowler. We have to wait and see how it goes in the series. “And as a batsman you are completely involved in the game. You have to see where the ball is going and convey it to your partner. You have to be sure (whether to ask for a review or not) all the time,” he said. For the first time in over three decades, India would be involved in a five-Test rubber against any team and Rahane said the side has learned the importance of remaining fresh and eager till the end when they played against England and lost 1-3 in their previous on-field confrontation. “In a five-match series it’s important to be fresh till the last Test. We played a five match series in England (in 2014) and got an idea about how to approach. That was a great learning experience as a young unit. It was important to remain fresh till the fifth match. You (also) get an opportunity to come back while playing a five-match series,” he explained. It will be a huge challenge for English spinners like Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali who do not have much experience bowling in the sub-continent. The Indian batsmen will fancy their chances against the England slow bowlers. But Rahane said they will pay the due respect to all the England bowlers. “Playing against England will be a challenge. They have a decent side; their bating line-up is pretty experienced. Their batsmen have been here – (captain) Alastair Cook, Joe Root and all. Yes their spinners are new. Their bowling attack is comparatively inexperienced, especially the spinners,” he said. “But I always believe you have to give respect to all opponents whether their bowling attack is new or experienced. For us it’s important to focus on our strengths and we will be playing to our strengths and potential. I am sure it will be a good series.” Lastly, talking about the game-plan in the series, Rahane said India will look to play attacking cricket. “We want to dominate the series. We have been playing some very good cricket over the last one and a half years. It’s important for us to be consistent. Yes our aim will be to dominate all their bowlers and the more we do it the better. It’s (also) important to start well in Rajkot and continue the momentum.”