On the first two days of the Indore Test under extreme heat, Test captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane put on a mammoth 365-run stand for the fourth wicket that flattened out the Kiwis. Rahane in particular endured a tough time, but once he survived on the first day, it was payback time on the second day as he batted with confidence and attacked regularly. At the other end, Virat was only happy to see his batting partner turn the tables and dominate the opposition.
Though the Test series is over, not much seems to have changed as the two pillars of India’s batting order were once again out there to further strengthen their batting repertoire. As Rahane was batting in the nets in Dharamsala - the venue for the first Paytm ODI series against New Zealand - Virat joined Head Coach Anil Kumble and Fielding Coach R Sridhar in giving him throwdowns. Virat was minutely observing the face of Rahane’s bat and providing his inputs. Rahane on the hand, was asking Virat to change his line so that he does not pick his throwdowns comfortably.
It is this camaraderie and a detailed understanding of each other’s game that help the two build big partnerships. Their roles are not just limited to batting but also involve planning. Ever since Rahane has been appointed as Virat’s deputy, he has been more vocal on the field. The batsman acknowledged the fact saying he was keen to share the load. “On the field it is important for you to stay alert all the time because there are plenty of things going on in a captain’s mind. So as a vice-captain, it is important to stay alert all the time and whatever inputs you have, you pass it on to your captain.”
He was happy to see new faces in the ODI team that have added zing to the group. “I don't believe in seniority or juniority. It's all about learning at every step and giving inputs. I really learnt a lot as vice-captain. I am really excited about the new guys coming into the team. It’s really energising and everyone is looking in good shape. The guys have done well in the A series while a few of them did well in the Ranji Trophy. I am really excited and looking forward to this series.”
The Indian Test has reached the top position on the back of aggressive and positive cricket displayed over the last 18 months. Rahane, who was integral to the team’s success said the ODI team too will stick to the same ploy. “I think discipline will be the key. The kind of cricket we played in the Test series, our intent was aggressive all the time. So here again our intent will be aggressive, play intensive cricket and play to our strength rather than focusing on opponent's strengths and weaknesses.”
Well used to play according to the changing formats, Rahane said it was a matter of mental adjustment to shift from Test cricket to ODIs. “It is important how we adjust mentally. Getting used to the conditions will be a big factor and we are actually experienced in that. So we don't think too much about the change in formats. It's all about how you deal with certain situations and factors. Mental adjustment will be key in ODIs.”
