He Has A Very Smart Brain And He Is Balanced: Sachin Tendulkar Backs Ajinkya Rahane To Deliver As Captain

Former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has backed Ajinkya Rahane to step up as a captain in absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. Kohli will miss the last three Tests of the four-match series in Australia to attend the birth of his first child.

Kohli and Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January. In Kohli’s absence, Ajinkya Rahane, who is the designated vice-captain of the side, is likely to lead the team. Ajinkya Rahane is not new to leading Team India in Tests, having already led the team to victories over Australia and Afghanistan in the past.

And while only time will tell how he fares as a captain, Sachin Tendulkar is confident the Mumbai star could deliver. At the same time, the batting legend conceded that leading India over a period of 3 Tests in a high-profile Test series is going to be ‘slightly different’ for Ajinkya Rahane.

“This is going to be slightly different. Having interacted with Ajinkya Rahane, I know he has a very smart brain and he is balanced. He is aggressive but it’s controlled aggression. Whatever time I have spent with him, I know he is a hard-working player, he takes nothing for granted, and if you’re working hard, if you’re sincere and honest in your preparation, the result will invariably follow,” Tendulkar told Sports Tak.

“I am sure the team would prepare to the best of their ability. Don’t be focussed on the result. Focus on the process and the results will follow,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane started his tour of Australia on a promising note. He scored a fine fighting ton while leading India A in the first tour game against Australia A. The right-handed batsman will be eyeing a similar performance in the upcoming series.

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