India vs Australia: Sachin Tendulkar backs stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane’s ‘smart brain’ and ‘controlled aggression’

India vs Australia: Sachin Tendulkar backs stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane’s ‘smart brain’ and ‘controlled aggression’

Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane

Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane
Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane

As the first gets underway, speculations around Ajinkya Rahane‘s captaincy continue to rise. Rahane is slated to take the reigns as captain Virat Kohli goes on paternal leave. This will bring about a huge change in leadership. While Kohli is renowned for his aggressive nature, Rahane features in the opposite end of the spectrum. And this stark difference in their leadership has garnered much speculation around how the transition will be.

On the eve of the first Test, Australia captain Tim Paine hailed the Indian vice-captain as the ‘glue’ of the side. And went on to share that Rahane is in the focus of the hosts. Kohli went on to back his deputy as he asserts that Rahane will do a ‘tremendous job’ in his absence.

Focus on the process and the results will follow

Indian cricket team during the warm up game
Indian cricket team

Weighing in on the matter, Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar feels Rahane will be up to the task. Tendulkar shares that the Mumbai batter’s ‘smart brain’ and ‘controlled aggression’ will ease the transition. Rahane has led the side before. And boasts a cent percent track record leading the side. Tendulkar further points out the hardworking nature of Rahane as he backed him to succeed in retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

“This is going to be slightly different. Having interacted with Ajinkya Rahane, I know he has a very smart brain and he is balanced,” Tendulkar told YouTube channel Sports Today. “He is aggressive but it’s controlled aggression. Whatever time I have spent with him, I know he is a hard-working player,” he said.

The legendary batsman stresses that the visitors should focus on the process. Tendulkar feels that if the side prepares to the best of their ability, results will follow sooner or later.

“He takes nothing for granted, and if you’re working hard, if you’re sincere and honest in your preparation, the result will invariably follow,” Tendulkar further said. “I am sure the team would prepare to the best of their ability. Don’t be focussed on the result. Focus on the process and the results will follow.“

India are in a steady position in the ongoing pink-ball Test after a rough start. Kohli and batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara seem to be faring fine as India look to put up a big score on the board after winning the al important toss.

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