Rahul Tripathi will be featuring in the playing XI when   the Board President's XI against Australia. "It is a big opportunity for me to go a level up”, says Tripathi.

In a recent interview to TOI, Rahul Tripathi spoke about his preparations for the game. "Although, I didn't have a good Ranji season last year, I played well in the IPL. Somewhere at the back of my mind, I was expecting an opportunity based on my IPL performance.Having said that, I feel getting to play in the BP XI against Australia is bigger than my expectations," said Tripathi.

See more: Brett Lee's special picture for Sachin Tendulkar 

To remain match-fit, Tripathi went to Chennai and played for India Pistons in the TNCA first division league. "I didn't want to waste the time by doing nothing. I wanted to remain in touch with cricket and work on my fitness at the same time. The Tamil Nadu senior division league is a good competition to prepare for the Ranji season ahead," he said.With Surendra Bhave back as Maharashtra coach, it is more than just a reunion for Tripathi.

"I have been working with Bhave sir at the camp. He has taught me a lot over the last many years and I am glad that he is back as Maharashtra coach. I have been working on my shot selection with him. The basics are the same, but shot selection makes all the difference in shorter and longer formats. He is helping me with the process," he said.

Having played under Steve Smith at Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL, Tripathi said he is looking forward to playing against him this time.