Rahane : Vice-captaincy responsibility will bring best out of me

Ajinkya Rahane was appointed vice-captain of the Indian Test side after consistent performances on the field in the past year. Speaking about the role, Rahane said, "It is a good responsibility as a vice-captain and I love facing challenges and love taking responsibility, so it's not pressure, not added pressure, but I think responsibility will bring best out of me,” reported IANS.

Rahane had also captained the national side in India's tour to Zimbabwe in 2015. The batsman talked about how the tour was a great learning experience for him. "I really learnt a lot as a captain in Zimbabwe (from 2015 ODI tour) from my teammates, from opponents, and as a captain you know how to back your players, support your players, whatever happens as a captain, you have to take all the responsibility and I really learnt from that tour," he added.

Rahane went on to discuss the upcoming tour and said that he is looking forward to the experience of visiting the island nation for a second time.

The 28-year-old said, "This is actually my second time to West Indies, first time I was with India A team, but with the Indian team it is my first time and I am really excited about this tour. I'm looking forward and I have prepared myself really well," reported IANS.

"I am sure it will be challenging because West Indies is a decent team. We will give respect to them and it is important to start well in the series," the right-handed batsman added.

India begin the four-Test series with the first Test set to commence on July 21 at the Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda. India will play the second Test at the Sabina Park in Jamaica from July 30.

The third Test will be held from August 9 at the newly named Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium at St. Lucia, while the last match will get underway at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago on August 18. The team will travel back to India for the series against New Zealand soon after.