The last couple of years have been extremely promising for the Indian test side. Under the combined leadership of first MS Dhoni and later Virat Kohli, the Indians embarked on successive overseas tours, but the results were far from satisfying.
Series losses were encountered in South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia on successive tours.
However, those tours were priceless in terms of the talent unplugged. Thanks to these rigorous tours, Indian unearthed a gem of a batsman in Ajinkya Rahane.
The stylish right hander has scored heavily in all conditions and now, with the Virat Kohli era in question, finds himself as the vice captain of the Indian side.
Rahane spoke to Cricbuzz over being handed the vice captaincy and seemed quite upbeat about the task. Below are the excerpts from the interview.
You have been appointed Vice-Captain of the Indian team. Your thoughts.
It’s a new challenge and a new responsibility for me. I love facing challenges and taking up new responsibility. I’m looking forward to the West Indies series. And with Virat [Kohli] and the kind of form he is in right now, I’m he and the team will do well in the West Indies.
Any key aspects that you want to be addressed?
I think it is important to adapt to the conditions quickly. As soon as we get there, I think we will have a practice game, so it’s important to adjust to the conditions and prepare ahead of the series. That has been my key so far.
India are playing quite a significant number of Tests over the next 12 months. How important is it to have continuity for a team?
See, I think, every tour has a different challenge. Every tour is equally important and it’s important to prepare well before each and every series. I think once we go there, how we adapt to the conditions, the wickets and the weather – that will be the key for us.
Any aspects of the game that you will be looking to get right?
I always look to improve day by day. It’s important to keep learning, and that process will always continue. I always like to give importance to the small things. Yes, I think I will look to improve my game day by day.