Ajinkya Rahane : Sachin's call before Dharamsala inspired me

04/04/2017

BCCI

Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to a victory in the final Test against Australia in Dharamsala, has paid homage to Sachin Tendulkar who telephoned the stand-in captain ahead of the decider to wish him luck. Rahane became India's 33rd Test captain and the hosts won the four-match series 2-1.

Needing a win to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India had to play the decider without talismanic skipper Virat Kohli, ruled out with a shoulder injury. The captaincy responsibility fell upon the shoulders of deputy Rahane.

"It was a proud moment for me, but the mood was sombre in the dressing room because of Virat's injury. He inspired all of us with his confidence and support despite the injury. As a captain, I knew I am a different person and everybody has his own style as captain," Rahane told Cricbuzz.

"On the ground, I knew I had seniors with me, but at the end, I had to take calls. Throughout the match, I wanted to follow my style. Before the match, I got a call from Sachin. He also asked me to follow my instinct. It inspired me."

When you win as a team, you should celebrate as a team

In a series marred by controversies, there was room for one more even after the series ended. Australia captain Steve Smith invited Rahane and the Indian team for a post-series drink in the dressing room - something that was declined by the stand-in India captain.

However, Rahane rejected the notion that it had been done due to incidents during the series, but much rather because the Indian team wanted to celebrate together.

"It's (beer-gate) past now. I am happy we won the Test series and as a unit we played really well. As a team, we had our own celebrations. It was important for me and my team to stay together after a long and successful season," Rahane said. "When you win as a team, you should celebrate as a team. So we celebrated in our dressing room. We had to celebrate as a team."

I am sure even Smith will take his advice from Dhoni

Rahane is a part of Rising Pune Supergiant that will kick off their IPL season against Mumbai Indians on April 6. Pune is being led by Smith who takes over from MS Dhoni.

"Smith is the captain, so it is important to give him his space. We are lucky to have Dhoni bhaiin our side and he is an inspiration for not just the Indians, but also for overseas players. I am sure even Smith will take his advice from him," Rahane said.

"Dhoni may not be the captain, but him as a player is an inspiration. A person like him teaches a lot even with his presence. He doesn't speak much, but whenever he does, he leaves you inspired."

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