Anil Kumble will take Indian cricket forward : Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane was part of the Mumbai Indians squad but missed out on Kumble's mentorship when he moved to Rajasthan Royals where he finally made his mark under Kumble's teammate Rahul Dravid. Speaking about it, the 28-year old said, “This will be my experience with Anil bhai (Anil Kumble). When I was with Mumbai Indians, he was not there (with MI), he came after the third year. A player like him becoming India's coach is a big and a good news for Indian cricket going forward," reported PTI.

"He has so much of experience, he has played international cricket for so many years, definitely his tips, his importance will take Indian cricket forward," Rahane added.

India tour West Indies for a four-match Test series in July, and Rahane said his focus is right now on the upcoming event.

The Test vice-captain said, "The pre-tournament camp is definitely of importance because as a team we are coming together after a long time. As you (reporter) said, it is long tour and right now focus is on the West Indies tour.

Also read -Anil Kumble | Can the legendary bowler transform into a great coach?

"This camp is of seven days, we will go there and play practise games. I believe it will be important to get the momentum for the first Test match and the practise games. So, as early as we adjust to those conditions and become mentally prepared, it will be good for us," reported PTI.

The right-handed batsman welcomed the BCCI's drastic decision to conduct Ranji matches in neutral venues saying, "It is a good decision because players will have to think. They will get an idea about their game and mentally they will become tough.

"When you play home games, you know the advantage and make the wickets accordingly. On neutral venues, there is no control in our hand and that's when the importance of the game will increase further. Players will become mentally strong and will be able to learn more about the game," reported PTI.

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