India’s veteran cricketer Ajinkya Rahane who was last seen in an ODI in early 2018 during India’s tour of South Africa, is trusting his instincts to make comeback in ODI format.
The 32-year-old said that he is mentally preparing himself to play all three formats.
“I am ready to bat at any position in ODI cricket, whether opening or No. 4 or whatever, I am ready. My instinct answers yes, I want to make a comeback in ODI cricket,” Rahane told former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta on an ESPNcricinfo chat show.
“But when the opportunity will come, we don’t know. Mentally I am preparing to play all the formats. It is all about being positive yourself and about your abilities.” Rahane added.
However, ODI comeback will be tougher as his fellow Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer has secured the batting spot at four for now and the team also has an unraveled opening pair in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.
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“I have enjoyed opening the innings, but I don’t mind batting at number 4 if I am asked to. I have enjoyed both roles,” he said when asked which position he would prefer in ODI cricket.
“It is very hard to suddenly open the innings and adjust to it after you have been batting at No. 4 for a while, which I had done. It is hard to say which position I prefer. I can do well in both,” he added.
When asked about his approach in T20 cricket, he said, “I don’t try and copy anyone in T20 cricket. My cricketing shots are inside out, behind the bowler, and other shots I have developed.”
“I think if you are sure of your shots, you should back them. If I am playing 18 overs, I aim to see how I can get my strike rate to 150-160.”
Rahane said it’s important to break down innings in T20 cricket.
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“For example. if I am batting after sixth over, I have to plan accordingly.”
Rahane also talked about the advice he got from the veteran Rahul Dravid that it does not matter whether the shot looks good or bad as long as the runs are coming.
“Sometimes the shots you play in T20s don’t look good. But Rahul Bhai told me not to bother about what the shots look like, whether it’s bad or looks bad from outside. He said it does not matter. He said in T20 cricket, one needs to watch the ball and hit it,” he added.
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