Ajinkya Rahane Opens Up On What It's Like To Be Deputy To Virat Kohli In Tests

Indian Test team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane in a recent interview revealed how he deals with situations as deputy to skipper Virat Kohli. Rahane revealed that at times, as a vice-captain, he is ready to with suggestions for Kohli, but it’s also important for him, to take a back seat and allow the Indian skipper perform his role freely.

The 31-year-old also spoke about the relevance of ICC World Test Championship in his interview, whilst also giving his views on captaincy, having led India on previous occasions.

As vice-captain, you should be willing to take a back seat: Ajinkya Rahane

Speaking to India Today in an interview, Rahane said that a vice-captain should be ready to give suggestion when the skipper asks for it, but otherwise, you should be happy to play second fiddle.

He said, “As a vice-captain, it is important that first you take a back seat and whenever the captain comes for a suggestion you should be ready to give that suggestion. If the captain has Plan A you should have Plans B and C ready with you.”

The right-handed batsman continued, “As captain, I think everyone has a different style of captaincy. For me, it’s all about keeping myself calm and cool. As captain, you sometimes tend to become (agitated) but you have to keep yourself really calm and back your instincts. I believe captaincy is all about backing your instincts.”

Ajinkya Rahane happy with WTC system:

Rahane also spoke about the importance of World Test Championship, and what exactly does it represent to the players and teams everywhere.

He stated, “I think WTC is really important and I think it’s a really good concept because points systems are involved. You gotta take every game seriously. A number of times in a 3-match series even if you win 2-1, a drawn game or a loss is going to cost you points. So every series – home or away – is important.”

“You can’t take any opposition lightly. I think WTC going forward, personally I am really excited about it and doing well in this journey,” Rahane added further. 

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