The veteran Indian batsmen, Ajinkya Rahane seems to have faith in himself that he can make a comeback in ODIs for India despite playing his last one-day match in February 2018. The 32-year-old said he is mentally preparing himself to play all three formats. However, his comeback will not be easier with Shreyas Iyer making a name for himself at the no.4 position in ODIs.
Talking about the same with Deep Dasgupta on ESPNCricinfo, Rahane said, “I am ready to bat at any position in ODI cricket, whether opening or No. 4 or whatever, I am ready. My instinct answers yes, I want to make a comeback in ODI cricket. But when the opportunity will come, we don’t know. Mentally I am preparing to play all the formats. It is all about being positive yourself and about your abilities.”
ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly Reveals Truths of His KKR Captaincy Days
Making an ODI comeback won’t be easy for Rahane as there is now some stiff competition as his fellow Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer has secured that spot for now. The team also has a settled opening pair in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.
Talking about the same, Ajinkya said, “I have enjoyed opening the innings, but I don’t mind batting at number 4 if I am asked to. It is very hard to suddenly open the innings and adjust to it after you have been batting at No. 4 for a while, which I had done. It is hard to say which position I prefer.”
Rahane has played 65 Test matches for India and his last international appearance came in February earlier this year during the New Zealand tour. He has also not been a part of the Indian T20 team for nearly four years.
Asked about his approach in T20 cricket, Ajinkya Rahane said, “I don’t try and copy anyone in T20 cricket. My cricketing shots are inside out, behind the bowler, and other shots I have developed. I think if you are sure of your shots, you should back them. If I am playing 18 overs, I aim to see how I can get my strike rate to 150-160.”
The Indian Test specialist said he was once advised by Rahul Dravid that it does not matter how good the shot looks if it’s helping the batsman to score runs.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Vouches For Ajinkya Rahane For An ODI Comeback
Rahane elaborated, “Sometimes the shots you play in T20s don’t look good. But Rahul bhai told me not to bother about what the shots look like, whether it’s bad or looks bad from outside. He said it does not matter. He said in T20 cricket, one needs to watch the ball and hit it.”
