Classy Ajinkya Rahane queitly confident after comfortable victory over Bangladesh

Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane

Indian middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane was among the runs in the opening match of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh. A solid partnership with captain fantastic Virat Kohli meant, a comfortable 6-wicket win over an impressive Bangladesh team.

Talking to TOI, the talented right hander was optimistic about the team’s chances in the competition.

He said, “Obviously it’s very important for us. Great momentum at the start of the series, and we’re just looking forward to the coming matches now. I’m really happy that we played really well overall,”

“We played good cricket, even the bowlers in the last five overs did really well. I think credit goes to the whole team and Virat batted brilliantly,” said Rahane, who scored 73 in tandem with Virat Kohli when the team was languishing in the opening exchanges.

India also, importantly, ended an 8 ODI match losing streak. When asked whether he was under pressure to produce runs, after a wretched showing against New Zealand, he said he was surprisingly unfazed.

“I was batting well in New Zealand, but could not convert those starts. I was disappointed. But I got a hundred in last (Test) innings in New Zealand, so I was confident during my batting. My plan was to take time initially and then play my shots. That worked today,” he said.

“I just wanted to spend time in the middle because the wicket was slightly slow and low and it was not easy to play shots initially. Even shot selection was crucial on this wicket. I was just talking to myself ‘keep playing till the end and we will see what happens’. That really worked today.” he added.

The Rajasthan Royals opener complemented Virat Kohli well in their 213 runs stand for the 3rd wicket. When asked how the two structured their run chase, he said the key was to get your eye in.

“It was not easy to play shots initially, the ball was keeping low. There was some odd bounce and uneven bounce. We were just planning to play straight initially and back ourselves to play our shots later on. Obviously Virat took his chances really well and that worked.”

“During our partnership, our conversation in the middle overs was that we should stay together for as long as possible. The longer we stayed, the better it would be for the team. I was very happy that we had a good partnership and we could make the team win.” he added.

Rahane was quick to praise the under-fire Indian bowling who have taken a lot of stick in recent months.

“On this wicket, I think the bowlers did really well. Bhuvi and Shami later on bowled wicket to wicket and it was not easy to hit that length.

“Jadeja and Ashwin are bowling really well. It’s just a matter of momentum and I’m sure they’ll do a good job for us in the coming games.”

He also mentionedJoe Dawes, who is fighting to retain his place as bowling coach in the Indian back room set-up.

“I think that is working really well. Joey (Joe Dawes) is really working hard with the bowlers in the nets and that is really crucial,” he said.

When asked about the dew, Rahane said it indeed was a factor in the latter stages of the match.

It was there, but only after 38-40 overs. But 280 is a really tough task to chase, against any opposition. We really respect the Bangladesh bowlers and the Bangladesh team.

“Myself and Virat decided to just respect their bowlers and play our cricket, the way we are playing from the last few months. We just wanted to back ourselves.”

India face Sri Lanka in their second match on 28th February.