Unresolved No.4 problem keeps Rahane hopeful for ODI return
Monday, 13 July 2020 (21:54 IST)
New Delhi: India batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who last played ODI cricket in February 2018, has not given up on his white-ball career and is trusting his instincts to make an comeback in limited-overs format.
The Test vice-captain Rahane said he is eager to play all three formats for Team India.''I am ready to bat at any position in ODI cricket, whether opening or No. 4 or whatever, I am ready. My instinct answers yes, I want to make a comeback in ODI cricket," Rahane told former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta on an ESPNcricinfo chat show.
''But when the opportunity will come, we don't know. Mentally I am preparing to play all the formats. It is all about being positive yourself and about your abilities,'' he added.However, making a ODI comeback will be much more difficult for Rahane at present because of the stiff competition in the team.
According to Rahane, he will be comfortable batting at No 4 but Shreyas Iyer has secured that spot at least for now. Team India also have a settled opening pair in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan while
"I have enjoyed opening the innings, but I don't mind batting at number 4 if I am asked to. I have enjoyed both roles," he said when asked which position he would prefer in ODI cricket.
"It is very hard to suddenly open the innings and adjust to it after you have been batting at No. 4 for a while, which I had done. It is hard to say which position I prefer. I can do well in both," he added.
The right hand batsman also talked about his approach in T20 cricket and about the style of batting which is required in the shortest format of the game.
"I don't try and copy anyone in T20 cricket. My cricketing shots are inside out, behind the bowler, and other shots I have developed.I think if you are sure of your shots, you should back them. If I am playing 18 overs, I aim to see how I can get my strike rate to 150-160,'' he said.Rahane said it's important to break down innings in T20 cricket.
"For example. if I am batting after sixth over, I have to plan accordingly. If I am batting after sixth over, I have to plan accordingly. Sometimes the shots you play in T20s don't look good. But Rahul bhai told me not to bother about what the shots look like, whether it's bad or looks bad from outside. He said it does not matter. He said in T20 cricket, one needs to watch the ball and hit it," he concluded.(UNI)
