After the retirement of stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman, India were searching for a batsman to replace the batting greats. While it is still a long way to go, one can say that Ajinkya Rahane has done a commendable job so far. The Mumbai batsman, who made his debut three years ago has now become one of the batting mainstays of this young Indian team. His brilliant performances have seen him becoming the vice-captain of the Test team so early in his career. The stylish batsman recently had an interview with the Hindustan Times, where he spoke on various topics.
Excerpts:
On his reaction after getting his first call for the Indian team:
I was at home when I got a call from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). I was completely blank for a couple of seconds. I told my mother about it. We were very happy. I had already played domestic cricket for about six years. My ultimate goal was to represent my country. I played my first T-20 game in England in 2011. Sachin (Tendulkar), MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag were part of that team. I was shy and nervous. But they made me feel comfortable. They gave me the confidence to express myself.
On whether cricket was always a passion:
Sachin and Rahul Dravid are my role models, not only for their cricketing abilities but also for the people they are off the field. My father always told me, “Once you become a celebrity or a popular figure, everyone will recognise you. But it is important to be a good human being.”
On what would he had chosen as his profession had he not become a cricketer:
My father used to say, “Your body will be active if you pursue a sport.” I have a black belt in judo, and I’ve always loved playing cricket. I could have been in the air force; that’s another passion. But cricket is my first love.
On how soon does he think India will beat England’s record of highest total in ODIs:
I don’t know when we will reach there, but I am sure the team will cross that score someday. We all know it (cricket) is a batsman’s game. Our long-term goal is to be the number one team in the world.
On how he deals with pressure:
Pressure is just a word. It is how you take it. I always take it in a positive and a challenging way. Pressure can either bring the best out of you or take you down. Whenever I feel I am under pressure, or a bit nervous, I perform better.
On his closest confidant in the team?
Rohit (Sharma) and I are really close. Virat (Kohli) and I are close too.