Ajinkya Rahane wants to 'always remain 3 steps ahead of the opposition'

Rahane was satisfied with his performance in the West Indies Tests

With Virat Kohli eager to continue his five-bowler theory, the focus has been firmly placed on India’s top-order to shape themselves into a consistent unit. The team’s highest-ranked Test batsman, Ajinkya Rahane wants to take each day as it comes in order to retain their focus throughout the packed home season which awaits them.

Opening up on the exciting times ahead, he felt, “I know I have a job at hand but I never set targets beforehand. I believe setting targets takes you too much into future. Looking too far ahead can clutter your mind instead like taking each day as it comes. Right now, the focus will be on New Zealand series.”

Since as many as 13 Tests, 8 ODIs, and 3 T20Is are scheduled in the next six months, specific plans might have to be chalked up even though the conditions are poised to be in their favor.

Rahane believed, “I always discuss my batting with my childhood coach Praveen Amre. It won’t be any different this time also. Obviously, the preparations for each series is slightly different. But obviously, you never reveal your strategy before the series starts. The key is to always remain three steps ahead of the opposition.”

As the Kiwis will visit first for a 3-Test and 5-ODI series, the conversation veered towards their strengths and weaknesses. Cautioning against any complacency, the 28-year old asserted, “It’s a decent attack. They have Trent Boult, also good spinners like Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi. We can’t let our guard down.”

During their recently completed Test series in West Indies which was marred by bad weather as well as inadequate facilities, India had to remain content with a 2-0 victory following the wash-out at Queen’s Park Oval.

Reminiscing on their Caribbean sojourn, he noted, “I always strive to improve and I am satisfied with my performance in the Caribbean. I had prepared specially to face the Dukes red ball. It is different to play red Dukes than kookaburra as the ball seams and swings more than other balls. For that you need to play close to the body and as late as possible. That was my endeavor and I was happy with my execution. It would have been great had we won 3-0 but you can’t control the weather.”

The soft-spoken right-hander also expressed delight in getting an opportunity to share the dressing room with the legendary Anil Kumble and heaped praise on the former captain's attention to detail.

Rahane quipped, “He has been phenomenal with his inputs. He has left international cricket for nearly 8 years but nothing seems to have changed. His passion is unmatched. He has an eye for every minute detail. He told me that I am doing well and key to consistency is focusing on routines.”