India's vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is focusing on his role as a deputy of Virat Kohli in the upcoming Test series against England. There have been a lot of talks going around on Rahane's captaincy after he recently led India to one of their historic Test series wins in Australia.
But on the return of Kohli, Rahane has taken the backseat and is looking to help him. In an interaction with the media before the series, he clarified his role.
“My job is to take the backseat and help Kohli. As a captain, there are too many things on your mind, as a vice-captain, you have to visualize the situation, think about what can happen in the game, and if the captain asks you for some suggestions then you should be ready -whenever required or he asks me about certain things, I tell him."
“Originally, he is the captain. We are just focusing on playing together."
India and England will play four Test matches, starting on February 5 at Chennai. There are some big names involved in the series from both sides.
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Rahane was asked about the player who would have the biggest impact on the series among Kohli, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer. He replied, "We are thinking about playing as a unit. Yes, Virat’s return is a positive sign for us. He has been batting really well. Stokes and Archer are very good players, they did really well for England. But, it’s not about individuals."
The 32-year-old was batting at number four in the last three Tests against Australia after Kohli came back to India. He will now have to go back to his usual number 5 batting position for the upcoming Test series.
Rahane feels he would need some mental adjustment to bat again at number 5. “Little bit adjustments are needed; I feel really good about my batting form,” he said.
Although India are coming back from a historic victory, Rahane said he brought himself in present to focus on the next challenge. “It’s a good feel. We have returned after a massive victory in Australia, for two-three days it was a really special feeling, but after that I had to remind myself that what has happened is history, it’s in the past now, it’s far more important to stay in the present. I have to do what is important to prepare for this series.”
The Chepauk pitch is expected to suit the spinners and Rahane is looking forward to the deck. “Indian wickets will always suit any spinner. Yes, we know we are playing in India and we will back our strength. We have to wait and see how it behaves on the first day.”
(With Hindustan Times Inputs)
