Ajinkya Rahane ahead of West Indies series: “Our goal will be to dominate”

Ajinkya Rahane ahead of West Indies series: In a press conference, Rahane spoke about opportunities for the youngsters and improving as a team.

Ajinkya Rahane, India’s vice-captain in Test cricket, will be looking to make a mark in the imminent Test series against West Indies. The 30-year old right-hand batsman had played five Test in England, scoring 257 runs at a moderate average of 25.70 and a strike rate of 40.21.

More so for his confidence than anything, Rahane will be looking to be among the runs ahead of the tour of Australia. During a press conference, Rahane was sent on the behalf of the home team where he spoke about the series being an opportunity for everyone (especially the youngsters) and revealed India’s goal going into the two-match series.

On being asked about if there is a pressure on the team, Rahane was quoted, “See, there is no pressure at all. Personally, we don’t know the combination what we are going to play. There is no pressure, it is an opportunity for all the youngsters, for each and every individual to express ourselves, especially guys who are coming in [Prithvi, Mayank and Siraj]. They did very well for India A and in the domestic season.

“So, it’s an opportunity. They know their role in this team and the team management is backing each and every individual. [As a new-comer] It is all about going out there and expressing yourself rather than thinking about the future or what is going to happen after these two Test matches. It is all about giving your best and having fun.”

There have been continual talks of this series being a cakewalk for India. On being asked if India are taking the opposition lightly, he denied anything of this sort, saying that the team is looking forward to improve in all aspects of the game.

“Rather than looking at the opponents, whether we play against England, West Indies or Australia, as a team what is important is to how can we improve our game? [Both individually and as a team] I think our goal will be to play good cricket, definitely to dominate,” he added.

The first Test at Rajkot is highly likely to witness Mumbai’s Prithvi Shaw making his Test debut for India. Also hailing from Mumbai, Rahane was asked if he gave any suggestion to the teenager. “Definitely. I am really happy for him. I’ve seen him since his young days. We practice together. He’s an attacking opening batsman. He’s been doing so well for Mumbai, India A on a consistent basis.

“That’s [maiden call-up] a reward he got for himself and as an individual, I’m really happy for him and I wish him good luck. I am sure he will do well. I want him to do as he was doing for Mumbai and India A and I think he will be fine,” he further added.

Rahane’s indifferent form in the recent times has brought a lot of criticism on his side on social media platform Twitter. Watch some of the tweets below: