Video: Ajinkya Rahane talks about the influence of karate on his cricketing career
There is no doubting when on song, Ajinkya Rahane is a treat to watch. The 27-year-old has already established himself as one of most reliable batsman for his country, particularly in the longer format of the game, having played many a rescuing innings in tough conditions both home and away.
While his limited-overs slot in the team isn’t as confirmed as his place in Tests, there is no doubting that if given time and space, Rahane will emerge as a mighty effective player for India in coloured clothing as well.
Apart from being a technically sound player and a brillinat fielder, the 27-year-old is also a black belt in karate and in an interview to Ring Side View, the batsman spoke about how the martial art sport helped him in his cricket in terms of his flexibility, agility and fitness levels.
The Mumbaikar also recalled his karate exams where he had to break 50 bricks back-to-back and how 50 people were jumping over his stomach. Rahane felt that the experience helped him become mentally stronger and also played a role in him understanding how to react to a particular situation.
The right-hander felt that karate helped him show his aggression via his actions, something that one can see him do with the willow in hand on the cricket field as well. He is presently recovering from a hand injury that he sustained while fielding during the 4th ODI against Australia in Canberra last week.
Here’s a video of him speaking about the influence of karate: