India’s Test deputy skipper Ajinkya Rahane has been looking out of touch in the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens as he scored single-digit scores in both the innings with a duck in the second innings.
Even though his last 5 Test scores also include a century and a half-century, his twin failure was a matter of worry as he is considered the nucleus around which Indian batting revolves, especially when the conditions are favoring the bowlers.
With the team looking forward to the upcoming South Africa tour, Rahane’s rare failure in Tests became a talking point as fans and pundits feel Rahane will need to hold the fort when the Indians travel overseas in 2018. But his personal coach Pravin Amre is calm and reckons that the Rahane is just one shot away from regaining form.
Talking about Mumbaikar, Amre said, “Ups and downs are part and parcel of any sports person’s life. But if you sit and analyse, the second innings dismissal was unfortunate. As for the first one, it was a good ball and the overcast conditions helped the bowler. I have spoken to him and I told him that we all go through these phases so there is nothing to worry. He just needs to do his job and just like one good ball can dismiss you, one good shot can bring your confidence back. It is not always a 50 or 100 that helps your confidence. A good shot, a couple of balls hitting the sweet spot is enough to bring back your A-game.”
He further added, “Also, you have to realize the kind of expectations people have for him. Sometimes it is unfair because while a single failure is highlighted, he is the same batsman who didn’t find a place in the team after winning a Man of the Series award. But he is a seasoned campaigner and he knows the importance of keeping calm and just getting the basics right.”
Amre also praised team management for coming up with the idea of preparing green wickets in the current series. He said, “The idea to prepare on green wickets is a brilliant one and I was having a word with Ajinkya and told him the same that it was a positive thinking and will help prepare him and the other batsmen in advance for the tough test that lies ahead. They will not feel like a fish out of water when they reach South Africa. Also, just winning against Sri Lanka wouldn’t make much sense as the conditions would be in complete contrast in South Africa. But now they will be prepared. Kohli has taken the right decision and shows that he thinks way ahead of others.”
Talking about coach Ravi Shastri having a chat with Rahane, Amre said, “While I haven’t spoken to Ajinkya about his interaction with Ravi, I am aware that Ravi keeps talking to him and this is a good thing as Ravi is someone who will have the interest of the team in mind. So, that will help give Ajinkya a wider perspective of what needs to be done. In fact, Duncan Fletcher, Gary Kirsten, Anil Kumble everyone spoke to him and would tell him their plans and where they thought he could improve.”
