The Indian Test specialist Ajinkya Rahane reckons that the breeze in Wellington and Christchurch needs to be factored in during the team’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand next month. The Test series will be followed by five T20Is and three ODIs. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Rahane spoke on a host of issues with regards to the upcoming tour where the current Test team has a good chance of emulating the class of 2009 under the leadership of MS Dhoni.  

Talking about the challenges in New Zealand,  Rahane said, “We played there in 2014…there is a breeze factor that is involved. I guess getting used to conditions will be the key as there will be more sideways movement because of breeze. In the last tour, I played in Wellington but Christchurch, we will be playing a Test match after long time. Getting used to conditions will be key.”

Rahane, who has been doing his homework for the tour, talked about the southpaw pacer, Neil Wagner, who can be the bowler to watch out for after his recent exploits against Australia and prior to that, England.  Wagner has taken 27 scalps in last 4 Tests for the Kiwis.  

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With Trent Boult and Wagner looking to bring the ball back into the right-handers, Ajinkya feels that standing outside the crease to counter the swing could be the way to deal with them but then, to each his own. He also opined that in New Zealand, playing as close as possible to the body will play a crucial role.  

Rahane added, “You have to focus on the basics as you can’t think too much about your technique. It’s about keeping your game simple, playing close to the body, as late as possible and according to the situation. Pace and bounce will be different.” 

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He feels that new BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and India A coach Rahul Dravid will take Indian cricket to unprecedented heights.  In 2014, it was a young team that toured New Zealand and suffered a 0-1 loss but a lot has changed since then. According to Rahane, the transformation started after losing the Test series in England in 2014. 

Ajinkya elaborated, “It started from the England series in 2014. We lost the Test series and then we went to Australia. But it started after the England series. We all sat together and decided and what is there to be done as a team. What can we do to take Indian cricket forward and set a benchmark for future generations.” 

Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have also created a genial dressing room environment which has been of great help, said Rahane. 

Rahane explained, “We are fun-loving people but we know when to talk about cricket and be serious. But sometimes it’s better to have fun because switching off also helps at the highest level. We all sit together, have fun, pull each other’s legs, create a lively atmosphere.”