'We are backing our bowlers to take 20 wickets' - Ajinkya Rahane ahead of Kanpur Test against New Zealand

India is all set to lock horns with New Zealand for the first Test match, starting from Thursday, November 25 at Kanpur. Ahead of the start of the series, India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane has opened up on playing in the home conditions. He asserted that the team is backing the bowlers to pick 20 wickets in the match.

In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rahane will lead the side for the first Test match against the Kiwis. Despite the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Mohammad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah rested for the highly anticipated series. Rahane is confident that the team will perform well.

He said that it is pivotal for the side to make the most of the home conditions, and also added that the batters will need to apply themselves well and convert their good starts into big innings.

“Right now we are into the ICC Test championship. You have to make the most of the home advantage. In India, we all know we are backing our bowlers to take 20 wickets. We are going to play on spin-friendly wickets. Batsmen will have to apply themselves. If they get set, they will have to convert it. That is the challenge as a batsman. You have to adapt to the situations and conditions. And then once you are set, try and get a big one. Yeah in the future we are going to play on wickets that are spin-friendly,” Rahane said in a virtual media conversation.

Ajinkya Rahane on KL Rahul’s absence in the Test squad

The BCCI had earlier confirmed that KL Rahul is been ruled out of the series owing to an injury. In his absence, it is likely that Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill will open the innings for the team. Speaking on Rahul’s absence in the setup, Rahane said that it is a “big blow” for the team but they aren’t worried about the opening slot with some potential names available to fill in Rahul’s shoes.

“It is a big blow obviously. He did really well in England, he was in good form, obviously, we will miss him. But we have guys who can do that job, guys who have done well for us in the past. So not too worried about the opening slot,” Rahane added.