Ajinkya Rahane hasn't yet given up on making a return to India's ODI squad and feature in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. The veteran batsman still has a lot of faith in his abilities and he reckons that a fruitful season for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League this year can revive his white-ball career as far as the national set-up is concerned. 

"The approach won't be any different with the World Cup spot looming because at the end you are playing cricket, be it the IPL or any other tournament," Rahane told IANS before IPL 2019 kickstarts on March 23. 

"You have to score runs and do well for the team. The most important thing will be to think about the Rajasthan Royals rather than thinking too much about the road ahead. See, if I do well in the IPL, the World Cup (slot) will automatically come."

"I feel it is important to express yourself and not take any undue pressure thinking about things which aren't in your control. The focus is the IPL."

Reinclusion in the ODI team aside, Rahane would also have pressure regarding his captaincy duties for the Royals franchise, which has decided to follow Cricket Australia (CA) ruling that says Steve Smith won't have any leadership job for the next two years besides his suspension after proven involvement in the ball-tampering saga. 

"No, not at all. The last year was really good for us, especially as we were coming back after two years and captaining RR was a great experience," Ajinkya said. "I want to thank the management for supporting me and I don't feel any pressure this year. It is important to play as a team and look to enjoy every moment as the IPL is a long tournament. There are players from a different culture and it is important to gel well and start on a positive note."

On Smith, Rahane still feels that his young side missed its vastly experienced cricketer and added, "We are all very excited to have him back. Initially, we didn't know if he will be able to make it or not (due to the elbow injury). But when we were told he is coming, that was a boost because his experience and records are unbelievable. He has the ability to win the team matches and that is important for any team."

Rajasthan Royals begin their IPL 2019 campaign versus Kings XI Punjab in Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium on March 25.