During a traditional pre-match conference, Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane opened up about facing criticism and emerging as the leading run-scorer for Team India in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship on Wednesday. Rahane had led Virat Kohli-less India from the front in the absence of several regular starters during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Speaking ahead of the Test showdown between India and New Zealand, Rahane said that he is not concerned about what the critics have to say as the vice-captain of the Kohli-led side is only keen on delivering the goods for his team in the summit clash. In India’s remarkable Test Championship campaign, Rahane has emerged as the leading run-getter for the Asian giants.
Rahane said that ‘it feels special’ to be India’s team’s top scorer in a major ICC event although the achievement will not have a bearing on the summit clash at Southampton. When asked about facing flak for notching up mediocre scores, Rahane reckoned that he is happy to take criticism.
“I’m happy to take criticism. I feel it’s because of the criticism I’m here. I always want to give my best whether people criticise me or not. For me, it’s important to give my best for my country and contribute each and every time be it as a batsman or a fielder,” Rahane said during the virtual press conference.
Rahane said that he will be playing his natural game in the Test Championship final before stressing about the importance of winning the summit clash. Whether Rahane scores a hundred or not, the Indian vice-captain doesn’t want to put too much pressure on himself. The middle-order batsman said that he is happy even if scores of 30 or 40 prove to be valuable for his team.
“I like to be in the present. I know the conditions. It’s about being in the moment, adjusting to the conditions. Also me being the highest scorer doesn’t matter now. It’s past. I just don’t want to put extra pressure and would want to play freely,” Rahane said.
Mentally prepared for the summit clash, Rahane asserted that his teammates want to showcase their consistency in the five-day encounter for the prestigious ICC Test Championship trophy at Ageas Bowl.
“It’s just a mental thing. If we can switch mentally and adapt, it’s important. Yes one off, we have to take it as another game not as a final or anything. We just want to give our best, play good cricket, be consistent in the five days,” Rahane added. Rahane has amassed 1095 runs in 17 Test Championship matches for India.
