India vs West indies 2016: I never think about scoring hundreds, says Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane scores a six in the second Test

Ajinkya Rahane scored a well-timed century against the West Indies from 231 balls in the second Test. Rahane is not a player who you would associate with soft dismissals but that is exactly how he got out to Devendra Bishoo in the first Test. The Indian batsman is not a player who throws away his wicket easily and he showed that attribute by scoring his seventh Test century. 

A disciplined and patient display by the Indian opener helped India reach a total of 500 on the third day which took India’s lead to 304. India are now the favourites to win the Test as it is unlikely for the West indies to chase down such a huge total after their poor batting performance in the first Test.

Rahane believes his process and preparations are the most important things to him and will get him the desired results. The Indian opener also stated that he doesn’t always think about scoring hundreds but at the same time, he stated that getting to the three-figure mark is great. 

Rahane was quoted by Cricbuzz as saying,  “I was disappointed with the way I got out in the first Test. But, whether we play in India or abroad, what’s important for me is my process and preparations. I never think about scoring hundreds. I think the results will follow as long as I prepare well and my processes are right. I think about the small things that are helpful to me. At the same time scoring a hundred here is special, getting to the three-figure mark is really special for a batsman.”           

Rahane also pointed out that it is important for India to repeat the bowling performance of the first test. It is important to pick up wickets at regular intervals and create pressure on the batsman at the other end.

“There is something for the fast bowlers but it’s important for us to bowl a decent line and length tomorrow. We have to bowl patiently. In the first Test match we bowled in good areas and we bowled consistently. If we do that we will be in a good position tomorrow.” Rahane told the reporters.

When asked about the threat of rain, Rahane said that the weather cannot be controlled but the match could is one aspect which the team can control.

“Instead of thinking about the weather, it’s better we focus on what we can control. That will be better for us. The weather is good sometimes and bad sometimes. We don’t spend too much time discussing that.”

It would be interesting to see how India performs with the ball on the fourth day.