Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane (Image Credit: Twitter)

Indian captain Virat Kohli has heaped high praise on his deputy Ajinkya Rahane for the manner in which he led the side in his absence in the recently-concluded Test series in Australia.

Rahane inherited the leadership duties from Virat Kohli at a time when the Indian team was at its lowest point. Not only had they lost their best batsman due to paternity leave and fast bowler Mohammed Shami due to injury, but they had just been shot out for their record lowest total of 36 in the first Test.

Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, VVS Laxman, India, Sunil Gavaskar, Bharat Arun, India, Kevin Pietersen, Indian Cricket Team
India. [Image Credits: Twitter]
However, Rahane with his cool and calm demeanor galvanized the entire team, paving way for an eventual triumph. The stand-in skipper led the way with a superb hundred at the MCG but more than the runs he scored, it was the manner in which he led the team, was really inspirational to see.

“The camaraderie within the team is based on trust. Ajinkya Rahane fulfilled his duties in Australia with flying colors. We enjoy each other’s company and batting together. We stay in touch off the field as well,” Virat Kohli said during the virtual press-conference.

In the same press conference, Virat Kohli also confirmed that the team-management will look to give a long rope to the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma.

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Gill and Sharma were instrumental in giving India two 50+ partnerships in the four outings that they batted together in Australia. Kohli said that he is looking forward to seeing the duo give good starts to the team.

“We will look to give Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill a long rope as openers. Hoping to get good starts from them,” Kohli added.

Virat Kohli, Joe Root
Virat Kohli, Joe Root (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

.The Indian skipper also went on to congratulate and heap high praise on England skipper Joe Root, who will be playing his 100th Test in Chennai. Kohli lauded Root for his understanding of the game besides adding that the 30-year-old has still got a lot of years of cricket left in him.

”Big congratulations to Joe Root for playing 100 Tests. He’s got many years of cricket still left. He is always a key wicket which we try to get early. He has a keen understanding of the game. Hopefully, we’ll have a chat someday of our journeys,” the skipper added.

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