IND vs SL 2017: Ajinkya Rahane Reveals Hosts’ Focus is to Maintain Number One Test Spot

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is his media briefing revealed the team is focused on maintaining the position on top of the ICC Test charts while adding every series has a role to play in one way or another.

“Right now if we want to remain as number one in Tests. Every series is very important,” Rahane was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

Ahead of the first Test of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, the 29-year-old Rahane reiterated the hosts are aiming to win each game and subsequently the series which knowing the conditions better.

“We want to win each and every series. We know the conditions here,” Rahane maintained.

Pertinently, the top-order batsman Rahane remarked India would not take the Islanders easily even after registering a 3-0 win in Sri Lanka.

“This series is completely different compared to what we played in Sri Lanka. We are not taking Sri Lanka lightly even as we had a good series there,” Rahane added.

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While sweating it out in Kolkata, Rahane is further focusing on his training, as the hosts’ players have had enjoyed the rich form in the contemporary cricket.

“Even for Sri Lanka this is a very important series and they are preparing really well. We don’t want to take them lightly,” Rahane expressed.

Earlier, the low-profile bilateral series which questioned and drew flak from certain quarters, as hosts are looking forward to prepare for the South Africa tour which would definitely test the Virat Kohli-led competitive side, as Rahane believes it’s important to focus on the series.

“For us, each and every match and series is important before going to South Africa. We will think of South Africa when we go there. Right now we are focusing on this series. South Africa will be completely different,” Rahane further added.

The Test series is scheduled to kick off on November 16 at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata after India routed Sri Lanka at home while returning with the scoreline of 9-0 in the bilateral series.

On the other side, following the poor show in the limited-overs series against Pakistan, Sri Lanka managed to clinch the two-match Test series 2-0 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Rahane stated the unit is focusing on their strength, as they are further discussing the perfect combination which is the part of a strategic plan before going into the series.

Rahane admitted the fact while stating the first Test will play an imperative role, as he feels adjusting to the conditions won’t be any difficulty.

“Everyone knows how to adapt and adjust to all the formats,” Rahane concluded.

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Moreover, the Proteas two-month long tour consists of six ODIs and three T20Is after three Tests which be beginning in the first week of January next year.

Rahane has been practising to play sweep shots, as he is looking to improve and is confident to come good in the impending season after representing his state-side Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2017-18 season.