Dharamsala: ‘Aggressive intent’ was the key behind India’s overwhelming success against New Zealand in the Test series and the hosts aim to continue playing the same brand of cricket in the upcoming five-match ODI series, middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane said here Friday. India won the recently-concluded Test series 3-0.
“I think discipline will be the key. The kind of cricket we played in the Test series, our intent was aggressive all the time. So here again we will do the same. We will play to our strengths rather than focusing on opponent’s strengths and weaknesses,” Rahane told reporters at the HPCA stadium here.
Rahane however, pointed out that the Test series victory will not have any impact on the ODI games. “The key will be to gain early advantage,” said Rahane. “The Test series is history now. The important issue will again be to gain early advantage. Winning the first match will play a key role in the series,” informed the Mumbaikar.
The batsman also welcomed the move by selectors to rest senior cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja and include youngsters like Jayant Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni and Mandeep Singh in the squad.
“I am really excited about the new guys coming into the team. It’s really energising, the guys have done pretty well in India A series I think they will also deliver here,” said Rahane.
Press Trust of India
