India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane produced a brilliant knock of 67 on the opening day of the second Test against England at Chepauk.
When India were struggling at 86/3, Rahane forged a 162-run stand for the fourth wicket with Rohit Sharma, who smashed 161 to take India to 300/6 at stumps on Day 1.
Speaking after the day’s play, Rahane said his plan was to not let any bowler settle and play risk-free shots to calm the nerves down
"My plan was to not let the bowler settle because it was a tricky situation as I just came into bat minutes before the lunch. So I thought that if I bat with intent and play risk-free shots it will become easier for me," he told Rohit in a video posted on BCCI's official website.
Olly Stone, who dismissed Shubman Gill for a duck, was a major threat for the hosts batsmen. The England pacer looked dangerous in his second spell too but Rahane formulated a plan to counter Stone's reverse swing.
"My plan was to stay a little outside the crease and if England fast bowlers bowl a back of length then it will be good for us. So that was a game plan to counter the reverse swing as England would bowl back of length deliveries and it will become easier for us as a batsman," said Rahane.
At stumps on Day 1, Rishabh Pant was batting on 33 and giving him company at the other end was debutant Akshar Patel on 5.
Rohit expects Pant and Akshar to put up decent runs on the board.
"Lets us hope our lower order put up decent runs on board and then we can come out and put pressure on England players," said Rohit in the video.
According to Rohit, the score of 350 in the first innings on this track will be a challenging task for the opposition batsmen.
"I feel 350 would be a good total on this wicket and we have four wickets left. So we will hope Pant and Axar play long innings. Try and make as many runs as possible as we know this wicket will start turning a lot from the second and third day as we can see the rough patches," said Rohit in the virtual press conference after the end of the day's play.
(With ANI inputs)
