When Virat asks me I should have an answer: Ajinkya Rahane

Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is so looking forward to assisting skipper Virat Kohli for the upcoming Test series against West Indies at their home turf. Rahane said that he needs to have an answer when Virat turns to him.

“I won’t always be in the ear of the captain. When Virat asks me I should have an answer as to what can be done then. So it is definitely a new responsibility for me and a challenge I will definitely enjoy,” Rahane was quoted as saying by bcci.tv on Thursday.

He was promoted as the vice-captain ahead of the series and he is excited about taking on new responsibilities. “I am definitely excited about the role and looking forward to the tour to West Indies. This added responsibility will extract the best out of me because I like taking responsibilities,” he said.

The 28-year old feels that more than the technique, one need to be mentally strong and focused to be successful at the higher level. “Technique is very important, but I think more than technique how strong you are mentally, how focused you are, is very important. I feel that 85 percent of the game is a mind game,”

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“While I work and focus on my technique during the offseason or before a series, how tough I make myself mentally at the same time is important. The tour to West Indies isn’t going to be any different in that sense. I will be preparing as per the requirements there and I will be looking to contribute to the team’s cause,” he added.

Speaking about the goals on runs or hundreds or milestones, he said, “I don’t keep goals of runs or hundreds because I feel that if you are chasing such goals then sometimes the mind runs ahead into the future. What I always want is to think about what is going on in this moment. I will look to give my best and will be happy when I can contribute to the team’s Test success.”

Rahane has been a consistent run-getter across all the three formats but he said that being humble and respectful is important for him. “Be humble no matter what the situation; be respectful. It is important to stay humble; stay the same, because mentally if you are on the same path through success or failures it will take you further ahead in life,” Rahane concluded.

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The Virat Kohli-led team is expected to depart for the Caribbean on July 6 and the first Test will begin on July 21 after a couple of warm-up matches.