Ajinkya Rahane Open To Bat At Any Position In ODI Cricket

Indian Test specialist Ajinkya Rahane last played a One-day international in early 2018. India moved on from the right-handed batsman to hand opportunities to the likes of Ambati Rayudu, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer to facilitate some brisk scoring rate. However, in a conversation with Deep Dasgupta over a videocast, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his willingness to make a comeback to the 50-overs team.

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Rahane’s statement comes a day after cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra questioned his unceremonious axing from the side. Across 90 ODIs, the 32-year-old batted in the top and middle-order, managing 2962 runs of which 843 have come while featuring at number four. And 1937 runs have arrived while opening the innings, accumulating three centuries.

Ajinkya Rahane declared that he is ready to break into the ODI setup again and bat at any position required. The Maharashtra-born batsman went on to say that whenever the opportunity arises, he would be, preparing himself to play all three formats.

“I am ready to bat at any position in ODIs, be it opening the batting or playing at number four. I want to make a comeback in ODI cricket, I do not know when the opportunity will come, but I am preparing myself to play all formats,” Rahane stated.

I think if you are sure about your shots, you should back them: Ajinkya Rahane

The right-handed batsman went on say that he does not imitate anybody in the shortest format and that one should always trust their instincts and shots and execute it.

“I do not try to copy anyone in T20 cricket. The shots I play are inside out, behind the bowler, and there are some other shots as well that I have developed. I think if you are sure about your shots, then you should back them,” he added.

Ajinkya Rahane pointed out that he tries to keep his strike rate of 150-160 when facing 18 balls in the first six overs. And moving forward, he breaks down his innings on how to go about it.

“I always try to keep my strike rate around 150-160 if I am playing 18 balls inside six overs. After those six overs, it is important to break down your innings in T20 cricket,” Rahane stated.

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