Ajinkya Rahane is one of the few players in the world who have thrived in all three formats of the game. While the majority of this generation’s batsmen have devised new shots to excel in the T20 format, Rahane has stuck to his copybook batting style in the shortest format of the game.
The Rising Pune Supergiants’ opener believes that he will never trade his “copybook style” for fancy shots as it has brought him success in his short but eventful career.

“I really feel good about the manner I have been batting in the IPL. Sounds cliched but it’s good to keep things simple and bat in a manner that suits my game. I don’t feel I need to copy any other batsman as I have my own distinct style,” Rahane, who has scored 419 runs so far in the IPL at a strike rate of 127 plus, told PTI in an interview on Sunday.

“Playing with a straight bat and hitting proper cricketing shots has worked for me so far and I don’t see any need to change it. That’s my mantra,” said Rahane, who has scored six hundred in 22 Test matches.

However, the right-hander has said feels that he is “learning every day” and is capable of playing “different kind of shots”.

Rahane also revealed his routine to prepare for big battles.
“I do meditation every day which helps my concentration. While batting I try deep breathing process when I am at the non-striker’s end. In between deliveries, 2-3 deep breaths helps in regaining the intensity. You tend to think better and it has worked well for me,” said Rahane.

Rahane also said that he has started following spiritual leader Swamy Parthasarathy .

“My coach Praveen sir (Amre) took me to Swamy Parthasarathy and he has been like a life coach for me. He spoke to me on aspects of life not connected to cricket. One of his advice that I am trying to follow is “losing everything in order to gain something.

Rahane feels that his stint at the top level with the national team for the past four years has made him more assertive and he is not as shy or reticent as people perceive him to be.