'Not concerned about all the talks' - Ajinkya Rahane on criticism around his and Pujara's form

Team India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has to face a mandatory question about his batting form every time he attends a press conference. It was no different on Monday (August 23) and this time, along with his form, he was also asked about Cheteshwar Pujara who hasn’t scored much in recent times. And like every time, Rahane’s response was a similar one stating that they are not much concerned about the criticism.

8, 15, 4, 12*, 9 and 45 are Pujara’s scores so far in England in three Tests including the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand. On the other hand, Rahane got a couple of starts in five innings on the tour but is yet to make the most of it. His scores read – 49, 15, 5, 1 and 61 in England this summer.

The last innings scores of Pujara and Rahane – 45 and 61 respectively – proved very much critical for India. The duo, under extreme pressure on Day 4 at Lord’s, got together with the team reeling at 55/3 in the second innings. Another wicket at that stage and pressure would’ve been immense on the rest of the batsmen along with a possible end to the Test match on the same day as well.

We know how to handle pressure, says Rahane

However, both batsmen held fort playing proper Test cricket and kept England at bay for a massive 49.3 overs scoring 100 runs. Though they didn’t score many, the partnership wore the opposition bowlers out and then what followed on fifth day was one of the best days in Indian cricket history.

Responding to the criticism, Ajinkya Rahane, in the pre-match presser on Monday, stated that he and Pujara are not at all worried. He also assured that they are used to handling pressure in the middle and not thinking much about all the talks outside.

“I am happy that people are talking about Pujara & me, not really concerned about all the talks surrounding the form. We know how to handle pressure & we are doing just that. We are not thinking about things that we can’t control,” he said. Ahead of the second Test, even Virat Kohli had played down the talk around his deputy’s form stating that the management is not worried at all.