Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India’s test vice captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday dismissed criticism he and Cheteshwar Pujara faced for slow batting during the Lord’s Test against England, saying they have played long enough to know what suits the team’s interest.
“I am happy that people are talking about me. I have always believed that people talk about important people, so I am not too concerned about that. It’s all about contribution for the team,” Rahane said during the virtual press conference.
Rahane (61 off 146 balls) and Pujara (45 off 206) took nearly 50 overs to add 100 runs in their partnership. But eventually that proved decisive in the context of the second test at Lord’s.
On being asked if criticism motivates him, Rahane said, “Everything motivates me. playing for the country motivates me. I am not bothered about criticism.”
Rahane, in the context of the win at Lord’s, said that he was pleased with the way he played.
“I always believed in contribution and that contribution was satisfying. You think about your own game but team performance is ultimate. You think about your methods, your good innings and what suits you but ultimately whatever team needs we focus on that.”