Discipline will be the key against Kiwis: Ajinkya Rahane

Following a massively successful Test series, Ajinkya Rahane now has his sights set on clinching a whitewash against the Kiwis in the upcoming ODI series. With the first ODI scheduled to take place at Dharamsala, Rahane addressed reporters about India’s chances in what will be a toe-to-toe series in the One-Day format.

The 27-year old Rahane, who is also the vice-captain of the Indian Test team went on to reveal that discipline would be the key apart from the aggressiveness of the play that has been prevalent since the start of the Test series.

“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 our intent will be aggressive, play intensive cricket and play to our strength rather than focusing on opponent’s strengths and weaknesses,” Rahane told reporters at the HPCA stadium.

“I am really looking forward to the One-Day series, especially after the Test series. But again it is important to start fresh here. Momentum will be the key. Winning the first match will be very important to be in that momentum,” said the Mumbaikar, who is the vice-captain of the Test side.

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Speaking about the transition from one format to another, Rahane said,  “I believe it’s a completely mental adjustment because as a professional cricketer it is important for us to adjust to any format.

“It is important how we adjust mentally. Getting used to the conditions will be a big factor and we are actually experienced in that. So we don’t think too much about the change in formats. It’s all about how you deal with certain situations and factors. The mental adjustment will be key in ODIs,” he said.

Speaking about the new additions to the team, Rahane said, “I am really excited about the new guys coming into the team. It’s really energizing, everyone is looking in good shape. The guys have done pretty well in India ‘A’ series and few guys did well in Ranji Trophy matches,” he said.

“As of now, it is important for us to focus on this series rather than thinking about the Champions Trophy. It’s still a long way to go for the Champions Trophy. We will play one match at a time,” he said.

“I don’t believe in seniority or juniority. It’s all about learning at every step and giving inputs. I really learned a lot as vice-captain.

“On the field, it is important for you to stay alerted all the time because there are plenty of things going on in a captain’s mind. So as a vice-captain it is important to stay alerted all the time and whatever inputs you have you pass it on to your captain,” he concluded.

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