Ajinkya Rahane explains how MS Dhoni can help Virat Kohli and bowlers during 2019 World Cup

Rahane explains how MS Dhoni can help Virat Kohli: The axed batsman was vocal about India’s chances in the imminent world event.

Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane might not have found a place in India’s 2019 World Cup squad but he still believes that the selected bunch of players form a “pretty strong” team. Speaking in an interview with PTI, Rahane laid emphasis on achieving momentum and consistency during the World Cup.

“Overall our team is pretty strong. Our overall package is very good. This time the World Cup will be played in a new format, we will play nine league games, so momentum and consistency will be important.

“If you start well you will have to keep up the momentum, you will have to play consistent cricket throughout the tournament. In ICC tournament any team picks up momentum at any time, so we can’t take any team lightly,” Rahane was quoted as saying.

Rahane on India’s bowling attack

In the recent times, India have prospered across formats because of their potent bowling attack. Being asked about the same, Rahane was confident about the wicket-taking ability of the Indian bowlers coming good for them during the tournament.

“Our overall attack, both pace and spin, is very experienced. The good thing is that all the bowlers in our team are wicket-takers and the team which has wicket-taking bowlers, their chances increase. We have bowlers who can pick up wickets in any situation,” Rahane said.

Rahane on playing for Hampshire

Rahane, who last played an ODI for England during the tour of South Africa last year, will now be seen making his debut in the English county. Selected to play for Hampshire, the 30-year old cricketer sounded excited about honing his red-ball skills in England.

“I always try to control things rather than thinking about consequences. I always prefer to stay in the present. What is important for me is to play well for Hampshire county. It is my first stint with Hampshire and I am really excited.

“Every player wants to represent their country in the World Cup and my dream is also to represent my country and play in the World Cup. But right now my focus is completely on the county stint and I am looking forward to do well for Hampshire and learn many more things,” Rahane added.

“I had a phone conversation with Rahul bhai“

In the 10 Test matches that he has played in England, Rahane has scored 556 runs at an average of 29.26 and a strike rate of 45.24 including one century and four half-centuries. Citing his experience in English conditions, Rahane also revealed having a telephonic conversation with former India captain Rahul Dravid regarding the same.

“I had a phone conversation with Rahul bhai [Rahul Dravid] and he told me that he actually learnt a lot playing county cricket. It’s completely a new experience.

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“I had played a couple of Test series over there in 2014 and last summer, so I know English conditions pretty well. But in county you get to learn so many things from your teammates, the culture is different and as an overseas player there will be responsibility. So, it’s all about being positive,” Rahane further added.

Rahane explains how MS Dhoni can help Virat Kohli

Before concluding, Rahane was vocal about ODI captain Virat Kohli can gain assistance from wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the World Cup. “Virat [Kohli] is a very good leader. Everyone has different qualities.

“Mahi bhai [MS Dhoni] has different quality of leadership and Virat will definitely get good support and guidance from Mahi bhai. He is such a senior player and being the wicket-keeper he can set the entire field and guide the bowlers on what length and line to bowl,” Rahane concluded.

Coming on the back of playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2019, Rahane scored 393 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.75 and a strike rate of 137.89 including one century and one half-century.