Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India test vice Captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday said they expect green tops throughout the five match test series against England. The wicket at Trent Bridge looks to have some grass left on it. Reacting to it, Rahane said, “We expect England to give us such kind of wickets and it’s their home conditions and we are not going to think too much about it.
He added, “Winning each and every moment in Test cricket is really important. We are not really worried what kind of wickets is given to us.”
On being asked who among bowlers can fill-up for Hardik Pandya”s absence, Rahane named Shardul Thakur, who recently scored a half-century and took 7 wickets against Australia in his second Test in Brisbane.
“Everyone is different. Hardik what he did in 2018 was different for us. Shardul can bat. You have seen Shardul bat in Australia and he did well in domestic cricket as well,” Rahane said about Thakur, who has seven first-class half-centuries but at a modest average of 16.58. Perhaps he also indicated indirectly that the fellow Mumbaikar might play in the first two tests.
Without taking Cheteshwar Pujara”s name, Rahane was posed a question on “intent”, a word that has cropped up time and again because of the Saurashtra batsman”s defensive batting. However, Rahane made it clear that approach is “to each his own” as long as communication from team management is clear.
“Obviously, we sat together and discussed about our batting plans but in England, it is challenging conditions for a batsman. Everyone has different plans and everyone needs to back his own methods,” Rahane, whose own form at times has been questioned, said.
“Communication is key for batting unit but individually I feel everyone should back their own methods because conditions change quickly over here in 15-20 minutes sometimes. It”s about getting used to conditions quickly. As a batting unit, we are ready.”
He also dismissed suggestions about whether Pujara could be promoted to opening the batting instead of his usual No 3 position.
“Pujara is our No 3 batsman. Who will open the innings, we are still finalising our combination. Pujara has been really solid for us at No. 3 and as for opening pair, the captain, coach and management will decide.”
The Indian team respects opposition star Ben Stokes” decision to take a break from the game and work on his “mental well being. According to Rahane, “We (Indian team) respect his decision and I am sure his England teammates also respect his decision. It”s all about understanding players” mindset as to what he is going through. It is tough and challenging to be in bubble continuously and perform.”