Interview with Ajinkya Rahane: "The key is keeping things simple and believing in myself"
Robust temperament, trenchant batting technique and an unassuming demeanour are the hallmarks of Ajinkya Rahane. Having done exceedingly well on all four overseas tours in last one and half years, he is touted as one of the most complete batsmen of his generation.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Rahane talks about his success on overseas tours, his much-vaunted Lord’s ton, batting in different formats, and his future goals.
You have been India’s best Test batsman across 4 overseas tours in last year. What clicked for you?
I think I learned immensely on South Africa and England tours, especially how to quickly adapt according to different conditions. And the confidence I gained from these two tours stood me in good stead during the Australia series and in World Cup 2015.
Among the young batting brigade of the Indian team, only you managed to score runs in England. What different did you do from the rest of the batsmen?
I didn’t exactly do anything different. In Team India, each player has a defined role. However, collectively we all strive to crack hundreds and win matches. I can bat in any number in the team, either in Tests or ODIs. I put my best foot forward and it gives me enormous joy when my innings help the team in crisis. I’m glad that it happened at Lord’s against England.
Talk about your Test hundred at the Lord’s. You demonstrated credible temperament and technique on a difficult pitch.
It was a special feeling playing at the Lord’s. A lot of people told me before the match that everyone dreams to score a ton at the Mecca of cricket. I knew that Dilip Vengsarkar Sir, Sourav Ganguly, and Ajit Agarkar from India had scored centuries in their first Test match at Lord’s. At the back of the mind, I too wanted to attain this honour.
I was nervous before the match, but on a match day I felt a considerable amount of confidence. It was a special day in my career and I would never forget those moments. My team-mates backed me to the hilt, and the fact that India won the Test made it an innings to cherish for posterity.
How different was the Test hundred at Melbourne from the one at Lord’s in terms of scoring runs and emotions you felt?
Every Test hundred is special. The difference between these two centuries was the quality of bowling. Australia had a formidable pace attack. To play Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc in their home conditions was a massive challenge. But I was confident to earn my spurs. During the inning, Virat and I had a positive conversation. His words spurred me on. Actually we are backing each other during the partnership and both of us were in our element.