I just want to enjoy my game and be a team-man, states Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has revealed his experience of playing in his debut season of county cricket, explaining how it helps keep a player humble and grounded. He further talked about his removal as captain of Rajasthan Royals and his yearly tradition of meeting Sachin Tendulkar before the season commences.
The first Indian ever to play for county side Hampshire, Rahane recently became only the third player from his nation to score a century on his county debut. The vice-captain of India in tests but missing from the ODI setup, Rahane explained how such stints help him develop as a player. Â
“As a batsman, it is important to spend time in the middle. The more time you spend at the crease, the better it is for you. It makes you more confident. And that’s what I am looking at. I am not thinking too much about the runs. Yes, runs are important but if you spend time in the middle, runs will come automatically,” Rahane stated in an exclusive interview with Sportstar.
“I am trying to challenge myself with different types of practice sessions. I am just looking to enjoy the process. I would like to take home as much as possible from the experience I gain here,” he added.
A cricketer of the highest order, the cash-rich IPL and the luxuries that come along with being with the national team are often absent when it comes to county cricket. However, Rahane believes it is such experiences that help a cricketer remain in touch with reality.
“It’s kind of different, but I think at some point these things are important as they keep you grounded. In county cricket, you have to manage everything on your own — your travel, you need to carry your luggage by yourself. Sometimes even you need to do laundry,” he said.
With nearly 4,000 runs in the IPL to his name, all of them coming for the franchise Rajasthan Royals, Rahane had been serving as captain for quite a few years before he was asked to hand over the role to Steven Smith in the latest season. Only last year, Rahane had led the team to the playoffs.
“Personally, what was important was to trust my ability. When I lost my captaincy at Rajasthan Royals, it was important to stay positive. I was calm because cricket is my passion. I wanted to enjoy my game, because whatever was happening around me was not in my control. I always respect the decision the team takes. But as motivation, I told myself that no one can stop me from playing cricket. So, I just wanted to enjoy my game and still be a team-man,” an optimistic Rahane voiced.
It has become a yearly habit for him to discuss the upcoming season with his mentor Sachin Tendulkar and seek his blessings. This year was no different as the two were spotted having a chat in Southampton.
“Meeting Sachin paaji is always an experience. You get to learn so many things. This time we did not get to spend too much time — we were here for close to two hours. He was happy to see me playing County and felt that this being a different pattern, should benefit me. I get to learn a lot from him,” the 31 year old concluded.