Virat is a complete team man, says Ajinkya Rahane

11/07/2016

India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has said that the team is enjoying playing under Virat Kohli, who is externally more aggressive than MS Dhoni. Rahane also downplayed the aspect of using DRS in the series against England, saying that their prime focus is on playing attacking cricket.

"It's been very good to play under Virat's captaincy. He's completely a team man, his inputs, his words during our team meetings and strategy are completely different. We are enjoying playing under Virat's captaincy," Ajinkya Rahane spoke with PTI, ahead of the five-match Test series against England.

Rahane also said that India's Test skipper is learning to remain cool under pressure by looking at his predecessor MS Dhoni and applying himself.

"Virat is pretty aggressive as captain; MS Dhoni is cool and calm. I feel Virat learnt a lot from MS Dhoni, and he's applying himself. He's looking to be calm under pressure. He's leading from the front for all of us,” the 28-year old said.

About his own new role as the team's vice-captain, the middle-order batsman felt that the added responsibility will help him improve.

"I am really happy that BCCI gave me this responsibility. As a player you learn many things and as vice-captain of a team, the mind is always alert. I am learning new things as player and vice-captain and I am happy BCCI and selectors have given me this opportunity. I think it will bring out the best in me," Rahane added.

The Decision Review System(DRS) has been agreed upon by the BCCI to be used on a trial basis in the upcoming five-Test series against England, but Rahane was not bothered about the much-debated technology in cricket.

"It's a completely new concept. We have to wait and see about DRS. We have been discussing about this from the last series (against New Zealand) and we have (formulated) some plans. We will spend some (more) time explaining about DRS (to team members), how it works and how we should approach it, but the main focus is to play good, attacking cricket and DRS will come later on," the Mumbai batsman said.

"The wicketkeeper is very important (in the use of DRS) and as a slip fielder you have that role to convey the message to the captain and the bowler. We have to wait and see how it goes in the series. And as a batsman you are completely involved in the game. You have to see where the ball is going and convey it to your partner. You have to be sure (whether to ask for a review or not) all the time," he further explained.

While admitting that facing England will be a tough job, given their strength across all departments, Rahane stressed that the team is determined to dominate the series.

"Playing against England will be a challenge. They have a decent side; their batting line-up is pretty experienced. Their batsmen have been here - (captain) Alastair Cook, Joe Root and all. Yes, their spinners are new. Their bowling attack is comparatively inexperienced, especially the spinners.”

"We want to dominate the series. We have been playing some very good cricket over the last one and a half years. It's important for us to be consistent. Yes, our aim will be to dominate all their bowlers and the more we do it the better. It's (also) important to start well in Rajkot and continue the momentum," he added.

Virat is a complete team man, says Ajinkya Rahane

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