We will do our best to win the series in South Africa: Ajinkya Rahane

India’s much-awaited tour of South Africa is around the corner and the Indian team soon will leave for the Proteas for the three-match Test series which starts from January 5. The world has already started giving their inputs regarding the tour. India hasn’t had a lot of success in South Africa. But this time though according to India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane the side will do their best to win a series in South Africa.

Recently Sri Lankan coach Nic Pothas had suggested that India will have a great chance to win the series if India’s batting unit manages to do well against South African fast bowlers. Earlier, AB de Villiers too had said that Kolhi and co. will aim to create history in South Africa.

Rahane has his say

Ajinkya Rahane who is going through a lean patch was speaking to NDTV about the South Africa tour where he talked about India’s preparations going into the tour. He said that this time around, India have players who’ve been to South Africa earlier and that will help the side a lot. “Preparations this time around is not completely different,” said Rahane when asked about how India is preparing for the first overseas series of the new season.

“When we went last time, I had 3-4 days of preparation before going to South Africa and I had such a good experience playing there. I played 2 Test matches there and it was my first Test tour. I learned a lot from that series but again this will be a different challenge. When we went there last time the team was completely new, but this time all the boys are experienced and we have been there, we know the conditions. Yes, the conditions will be different this time. I am just trying to add new things so that I will be much better while handling the bowlers,” said 29-year-old Rahane.

A good idea to not play the warm-up game?

Rahane called BCCI‘s decision of not playing the warm-up game a good one when questioned on the same. He was of opinion that It is better to face good bowlers in the nets than facing the ordinary bowlers on the flat track. “The good thing about this is we got good quality of bowlers. Since they have done well in domestic cricket, it’s better to face them. Sometimes what happens in overseas practice games is that we get flat wickets and ordinary bowlers. That does not help in preparations. It’s a good decision the management has taken. We are going to have some good net sessions and that will be quality practice. If you prepare well that actually matters in the Test cricket”, said Mumbai-born Rahane.

When asked about India’s chances of winning the series, Rahane said that the side will do their best in order to win their first-ever series in South Africa. “Yes, and we will do our best to win the series there. Above all, we are just looking to play good cricket. Test cricket is all about giving your best throughout 5 days – each and every session matter in Test cricket because the game just changes in one session, so we don’t want to take any session lightly. South Africa is a very good team they have a very good attack, where they know their conditions really well. So we don’t want to take them lightly, but at the same time, we want to give our best. I think the first match will be very crucial, whoever does well in the first match will be better off in the series,” Rahane added.