The stage was set for the final battle. The India-Australia rivalry was at its best and neither of the two teams were willing to give breathing space to each other as the Dharamsala Test was inching closer. The fiercely-fought series was locked at 1-1 and India suffered a huge blow just before the start of the final Test when their maverick skipper Virat Kohli was ruled out of the contest due to a shoulder injury. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was given the duty to lead the team and with so much at stake, it was going to be very tough for a player who was about to lead a Test side for the first time in his career. But when the match ended on the fourth day, the Mumbai star had left one and all impressed with his brilliant captaincy. The 28-year old led the hosts to a thumping 8-wicket win which helped them to win the four-match series 2-1.
The right-handed batsman has now shared how he felt after being handed the captaincy and also revealed that receiving a call from batting legend Sachin Tendulkar inspired him.
“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. 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,” Rahane said.
Rahane’s captaincy was a complete contrast to that of Kohli. While Kohli is known for his animated approach on the field, Rahane looked calm and composed throughout the game.
“There are different ways to show your aggression. For me, it has always shown through my actions. As a child, I practised karate. Showing aggression through my behavior could have never worked for me as I was the smallest in my zone. The only way for me to show it was through my actions. I have carried that to cricket too,” said the junior karate black belt.
Rahane further revealed why Team India declined the beer offer from Australia skipper Steve Smith. After the heated series reached out Rahane and the Indian team, offering a round of beer to leave the bitter memories of the series behind. But Rahane said the team was keen to spend some time together after a long home season.
“It’s 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. 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,” said Rahane.
Rahane will now play under the captaincy of Smith for Rising Pune Supergiant in the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League season for Rising Pune Supergiant. MS Dhoni was replaced with Smith as the skipper of the side for this season but Rahane insisted that the presence of the former India skipper will be enough to inspire the side.
“Smith is the captain, so it is important to give him his space. We are lucky to have Dhoni bhai in 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,” he added.