Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
Following a brilliant performance in the World Test Championship Finale, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane cemented his position in the playing XI and is optimistic about doing well in the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. The cricketer meanwhile has been appointed as the vice-captain of the side in the longest format and thus, will be working very closely with the team management as India are desperate to do well in this cycle of the World Test Championship and to finally win the trophy in Lord’s cometh 2025.
Meanwhile, talking about playing under skipper Rohit Sharma, Rahane mentioned that the Indian opener gives a lot of freedom to all the players and thus, there’s a lot of room for expressing yourself in the middle.
“WTC final was the first game where I played under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Rohit gives freedom to all the players and those are good traits of a great captain,” Rahane was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
He also lauded youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is tipped to replace Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad. Notably, the UP-born cricketer had a fantastic time with Mumbai in domestic cricket and also did well with Rajasthan Royals in the recently concluded IPL. Rahane, his domestic skipper, is thus confident that Jaiswal will succeed for the nation as well.
“Firstly, I am really happy for him (Jaiswal). He is a really exciting talent. He has done exceptionally well in the domestic cricket for Mumbai and then in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals. Most importantly the way he is batting in the red ball. He did well in the Duleep Trophy last year. His numbers are really good. My message to him will be just express your batting, don’t think too much about International cricket. It’s all about going out in the middle and playing your game,” the 35-year-old said.
Rahane also added saying that he has worked on a few aspects of his game and thus, he is ready for the next Test cycle. In the absence of Pujara, the Mumbai-born cricketer will have a lot of responsibility as India’s batting lacks a bit of experience as Gill and KS Bharat didn’t play a lot of matches while Jaiswal will be making his debut.