Ajinkya Rahane hasn't accepted the tag of a Test specialist and is desperate to make a comeback into India's white-ball side. The right-hand batsman, who last turned up in ODIs in February 2018, says his record even before being dropped wasn't bad and he deserves another go.
In 90 ODIs played for India as an opener and middle-order batsman, Rahane averages 35.26 for 2,962 runs at a strike-rate of 78.63.
While in another era Rahane's numbers would've been hailed, in today's high-scoring times his power-hitting ability has been in question.
And even though his strike-rate in the period leading upto his most-recent outing was decent, India having more robust options up its sleeves meant that the team management could look past Rahane on its way to the 2019 World Cup.
Rahane, though, is determined to prove his doubters wrong, as the 32-year-old said on India Today's 'Inspiration'.
"I think the first plan is to come back in ODI cricket. I don't generally talk about my records but I think an important factor is my record is actually really good over the last 3-4 years before I was dropped," he said.
"Whether it's opening the batting or at No. 4, my record was very good, my strike rate again was very good. I think my aim is to come back into the ODI set-up."
"I don't know when the opportunity will come but I have to work hard, I am working really hard on all the aspects. I am really confident about myself. It's all about having the self-belief and being positive, being fearless," Rahane added.
In his quest, Rahane realises playing and doing well for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will definitely help his chances.
"I don't have to prove it to anyone. Yes, IPL is the best platform. I don't have to prove to anyone, it's all about playing with freedom and playing for my team and doing well for my team," he said.
"If I contribute to my team, I think other factors will happen automatically. That said, my records in ODI before I was dropped was very good. I am not thinking about proving to anyone. Working hard on my game and keeping improving day by day and being positive is what I am planning to do," Rahane concluded.
