India’s Test deputy Ajinkya Rahane addressed a virtual press conference where he spoke on various areas of concern for the team.
Without a doubt, Ajinkya Rahane is one of India’s most important players in the Test line-up. Virat Kohli pointed out the same when asked to comment on Rahane’s flop show in the first Test versus England.
Ajinkya Rahane Address virtual press conference
Regarding the pitch for the second test
Ajinkya Rahane: “The pitch for the second Test looks completely different. I’m sure it will turn from day one. We have to forget what happened in the first Test and focus ahead.”
Questiened on his Run scored in last tests
Ajinkya Rahane (on his personal form with the bat): “We are playing at home after two years. It’s all about the team, not about any individual. If you look at my last 10-15 Tests, you will find some runs there.”
On Asking About playing in front of fans the 2nd Test match at Chennai
Ajinkya Rahane: “We are all really excited to have fans back. It means a lot to us.”
Team India will be playing the match infornt of fans after a long time. Cricket matches were set to play behind the closed door owing to the COVID19 restrictions.
Rahane on the Spin department of the 1st test match
Ajinkya Rahane: “Every player is in the mix. Good to have Axar Patel fit. I’m not going to say who is going to play in the second Test. All our spinners are good and I’m sure they’re keen to do well.”
Ajinkya Rahane: “I thought our spinners bowled really well in the first Test. They didn’t get any help from the pitch in the first innings. We are not too concerned about the form of our spinners.”
When questioned on multiple catch drops
Ajinkya Rahane: “Catches do get dropped but we’ve been working hard. No one drops catches intentionally. Close catches are very important in India and we know that. The boys were disappointed by the number of no-balls in the first Test and they’re working to fix it.”
Rahane on Rishabh Pant as wicket keeper
Ajinkya Rahane: “Rishabh Pant will get better as a wicketkeeper the more he plays in India. We know what he can do with the bat and you need to back such players.”
Regarding Washim Jaffer steping down as Uttarkant Coach
Ajinkya Rahane: “I don’t have any idea about the Wasim Jaffer incident, so I can’t comment on it.”
Should Rohit Sharma ruled out of the remaining test matches
Ajinkya Rahane: “Rohit Sharma is an important member of our team. He made important contributions in Australia. You can’t judge a player over 4-6 innings. You need to have faith in the players. We’re really happy to have Rohit in the team.”
Virat Kohli vs Rahane Captaincy Issue
Ajinkya Rahane: “Yes, it’s true, sometimes players don’t have energy on the field (on Virat Kohli’s comment at the end of the first Test). It’s not because the captain changed. If you’re looking for masala, you’re not going to get it here.”
Team having issues with Pujara?
Ajinkya Rahane: “No one within the team has an issue with Pujara’s approach. It doesn’t matter to us what people say outside. We know how much he contributed in Australia.”
Did England dominate India in the Test series?
Ajinkya Rahane: “It’s important to not overthink after a defeat. We need to stay together as a team. Yes, England dominated the first Test and we respect that. Our focus is only on trying to improve moving forward.”
