After being overlooked in the limited-overs fold, Team India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) national selectors to acknowledge his efforts with the bat, by providing him more chances to feature in the white-ball cricket.
“It is important that the effort that I am putting in is acknowledged. As a player, I feel everyone needs consistent chances to do well for the team,” Rahane told The Hindu.
The 30-year-old top-order batsman Rahane is yet to make it to the limited-overs fixture since February 28 when he represented India against South Africa at Centurion.
As of now, Rahane is marshalling his troops of Mumbai in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Trophy.
While stressing on the ‘consistency’, Rahane remarked as per the merit, he is bound to represent India on the regular basis.
Rahane is known for his positive approach:
The talented cricketer Rahane, who’s banking on his wealth of experience didn’t shy away from saying that selectors should provide him ample chances in the limited-overs fold.
“Having said that, though, the point that I am trying to make here is that if as a player I have always been committed to the team’s cause, then I deserve chances more consistently. That’s the least I am asking for,” Rahane said.
Rahane maintained that he’s a shy person but adamant in his approach with the bat. He added that he has always preferred to respond with his bat.
The prominent batsman Rahane reiterated he has and would always prefer to appreciate and cooperate with the selectors and India’s team management.
“I am aggressive as a batsman but by nature, I am an introvert. And I don’t like to talk too much. I prefer to let my bat speak. But sometimes it’s important to speak the truth. Have believed the team always comes first and I have always respected the team management and the selectors’ decision. I will continue to do that,” Rahane further said.
Rahane is hopeful for the 2019 World Cup:
Rahane, who has been a vital cog in the wheel for India in the Test fold, has so far featured in 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is.
However, he’s confident enough to break into India’s 2019 World Cup squad, starting May 30.
“Things can change anytime. And like every player even I harbour dreams of playing in the World Cup. So yeah, I am hopeful,” Rahane added.
Well, many think little of Rahane when it comes to the white-ball cricket, but he has often responded with a bat to silence his detractors.
More often Rahane has pressed a case to don the national colours but the healthy competition has marred his chances in the recent past.
In a positive response, Rahane stressed it’s the country that comes first. At the same time, he’s ready to shoulder the responsibility to deliver for the national team.
“I have always thought the country and the team comes first. Even when I played for Mumbai I started off an as an opener. But when the team wanted me to bat at No. 3, I agreed and accepted the challenge. So I don’t think I will ever ask for anything except the team’s cause,” Rahane inferred.
Apart from the expectations, Rahane will lead Jaipur-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) to make most of the opportunity. The twelfth edition of IPL 2019 will commence from March 23 in Chennai.