Ahead of embarking on the tour to South Africa, Mumbai’s Ajinkya Rahane scored a century and played an important role in setting up the game in his team’s favour. Although Mumbai have dominated the ongoing match against Vidarbha, the top-order batsman’s 133 in the second innings along with opener Aditya Tare’s century helped set a formidable target for the visitors at Wankhede Stadium in the Ranji Trophy 2013-14 encounter.
Speaking about the confidence that the knock has given him ahead of the international tour, Rahane said, “It was a very crucial knock. Every 100 is special and so this 100 is also as special as the others. It was also important from the team’s point of view as we wanted to win the match outright; we need just two wickets now to win. This knock will definitely give me confidence.”
Speaking about the significance of the knock, he added, “Before going to South Africa, this game was crucial for me in terms of match practice. So I was just focusing on getting my rhythm back and giving my 100 percent to my team.”
Asked if it would have been better to hit a 100 in first innings, Rahane said, “In the first innings too, I was looking to spend time at the crease but getting out is not in your hands. You should have the right attitude and right intention and that is what matters. Scoring a 100 in the second innings is as special as scoring a 100 in the first innings. I am happy the way I am batting and the way our team is playing.”
Asked about the challenge while batting against an attack like Vidarbha’s, he mentioned, “Umesh (Yadav) is an experienced bowler; they had Shrikanth (Wagh) and other bowlers too. The bowler needs just one ball to get the wicket, so batsmen have to concentrate on every delivery. I was looking to get set and spend a lot of time at the wicket, which will also be good batting practice for me. When they spread the field, it was a bit difficult and I was constantly telling myself that is the time to show focus, to show some hunger, and that is what I was thinking.”
With the team poised for their third win of the season (Mumbai have won two of three matches so far in the season under Zaheer Khan), Rahane was asked how much the team will miss Zaheer Khan, who will also be heading to SA. He replied, “Zak Bhai's presence is very important for our team. The amount of experience he has got is crucial. He will be missed, but the young bowlers are also doing well and it is a good opportunity for them to do well in his absence and win matches for the team.”
Discussing his preparation for the tour, he said, “I have been practicing before this game for the South Africa tour, but from the last four days, I am focusing on this game and on my batting. I have been preparing for the South Africa tour.”
