Kumble's tips will take Indian cricket forward: Ajinkya Rahane

Vice-captain of the Indian Test team, Ajinkya Rahane today said that the tips from the newly appointed coach, Anil Kumble will take the Indian cricket forward.

Rahane said that a player like Anil who has a lot of experience is a good news for the Indian cricket team. “This will be my first experience with Anil bhai. When I was with Mumbai Indians, he was not there (with MI), he came after the third year. A player like him becoming India’s coach is a big and a good news for Indian cricket going forward,”

“He has so much of experience, he has played international cricket for so many years, definitely his tips, his importance will take Indian cricket forward,” the 28-year-old player said.

When asked about the upcoming long tour of West Indies, the vice-captain said, “The pre-tournament camp is definitely of importance because as a team we are coming together after a long time. As you (reporter) said, it is long tour and right now focus is on the West Indies tour.”

Also read – Naman Ojha to lead India A on tour of Australia

“This camp is of seven days, we will go there and play practice games. I believe it will be important to get the momentum for the first Test match and the practice games. So, as early as we adjust to those conditions and become mentally prepared, it will be good for us.”

He supported the BCCI’s decision to host Ranji matches at neutral venues, and said, “It is a good decision because players will have to think. They will get an idea about their game and mentally they will become tough.

“When you play home games, you know the advantage and make the wickets accordingly. On neutral venues, there is no control in our hand and that’s when the importance of the game will increase further. Players will become mentally strong and will be able to learn more about the game.”

Also read – 5 Reasons why Anil Kumble is the best choice for Indian coach

He also briefed about the importance and career opportunities in sports management. “I believe, many aspire to play cricket and other sports, but it is not that all make their career in sports. So they can do sports management, can manage players, teams. This is a new career opportunity for children, if they are not able to make a career in cricket or other sports, they can go ahead in life through sports management,” he concluded with a message for the future generation.