Ajinkya Rahane welcomes competition for places in the Indian team
Indian team kept winning with the right combination
Ajinkya Rahane has welcomed the competition for places in the Indian cricket team despite being forced out of the playing eleven himself after the return of Yuvraj Singh, IBN Live reports. The Mumbai cricketer said that he was more than willing to carry drinks for his teammates and wait for the right opportunity to make his comeback to the national team.
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Rahane, who has been a prolific run-getter in the domestic circuit, has yet to impose himself as a regular in MS Dhoni’s side and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming World Twenty20 unless an injury strikes Team India. But the man himself chose to put the team ahead of himself when talking about India’s superb recent run of form, especially in the T20 format.
"It's always good when there's competition in the team. I'm very happy that everyone is doing well. I will wait for the opportunity. Right now I feel the combination is doing well. It is a big sign for the team. I never think of myself," said Rahane during Indian team's 'Open Media Session' earlier today.
Though some feel Rahane deserves better treatment considering his performances for the now-suspended Rajasthan Royals franchise in the IPL, the 27-year-old said that he fully understands the decision taken by the national selectors.
"IPL was a different thing. But when you represent your country, it's the management who decides the best combination for the team. I think they take the best decision. Whether I'm in XI or not, my job is to improve my game. I'm confident about my ability," he insisted.
Rahane also added that he, in fact, felt proud to be able to play a part in helping his teammates by carrying drinks onto the field of play.
"It's also a big thing to give water to your teammates by being the 12th man in a match, it's your country who's is getting benefitted. If you do something by heart, it always feels good. Ultimately you're representing your country. I'm never self-centered and there's a lot of positivity in me”
"What's there to feel disappointed about? Even if I'm not in the XI, it's important to me that I'm helping my teammates out," said the 27-year-old.
The right-handed batsman asserted that he is constantly engaging in physical exercises to keep himself in shape and to be ready should his services be required.
"It will only get difficult when you don't prepare. If you practice sincerely and purposefully, I know when I get a chance my mind will be ready. My focus is to work hard and prepare well,” he said.
“Fitness is also a big point in T20. You have to be very agile. It's not just about technique but control. Fielding also plays a big role. I've given priority to fitness. My priority is always there to do some activity."
Rahane said that though he was not deterred by the ‘underrated’ tag that is often attributed to him and feels that recognition will come in due time if one performs consistently, he added that he was following his wife’s advice to express his feelings better.
"These are tags you give. If you keep writing my name I will never remain underrated. I don't think much whether I'm underrated or famed. For me, it's important to keep contributing. If I do that, recognition will follow,” he said.
"My wife has told me many times that I should open up a bit more. I was very shy even while I was doing karate. It's important to speak for yourself. It's important to express yourself. I think my confidence has increased," said Rahane.