Indore: Ajinkya Rahane has adjusted to his role as a stop-gap opener in ODIs and he does not want to dwell too much on his future in the format once first-choice opener Shikhar Dhawan is back from his sabbatical.
After getting the ‘Man of the Series’ award in the West Indies, Rahane got to play only one game against Sri Lanka. Rahane was again asked to open the innings due to Dhawan’s unavailability.
“I don’t think about the future. For me, important thing is to give my all for the team. I always think about staying in the present. When Shikhar comes back, we all don’t know what’s going to happen,” Rahane said before India’s practice session on the eve of third ODI against Australia.
“So if I get opportunities, try to do my best for team. Every time you can’t think about hundreds, even if you get crucial 45-50, or 70 runs for your team, that is what matters. I always want to do that,” Rahane said.
Rahane also said that adjusting to a new position in batting order is completely a mental aspect and it’s not an issue with the Indian team. Out of 81 ODIs so far, he has played 51 as opener while he bats in the middle order in Tests.
“It’s completely mental (adjustment). The good thing in this team is anyone can bat at anywhere. We have that flexibility. I have batted at top, numbers 3, 4 and 5. It’s important to handle that situation and utilize that situation. If you adjust in mind, you can adapt anywhere.”
press trust of india