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Image Credit - Times Of India[/caption]This edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Ajinkya Rahane is something more than just resumption of playing cricket. It is going to be his final shot in getting back his place in the white-ball team of India.
On Thursday, during a virtual press meet from Dubai, he raised the curtains on the campaign of Delhi Capitals. Rahane has shown disappointment and made it very clear as he was ignored for the 50 over World Cup tournament last year.
Rahane said that he has been thinking he will be batting at no.4 in the World Cup. He has been playing county cricket just before the world cup and he wishes that he became part of the world cup squad especially for the fact that he has worked hard for a place in the team and his record was exemplary in the past. His form is not there right now but at that time he deserved a batting slot at no. 4.
He is someone who will not talk about his chances but he mentioned his numbers in white-ball international cricket. He also said that before getting dropped from the team, his records have been good in ODI. People are always talking about averages and strike rates before getting dropped, in the last two years, his record has been fantastic in 50-overs cricket. He has got the ability, and the belief in himself and he is confident to make a comeback in white-ball cricket.
He said that he is thinking about ODI cricket and he aims to make a comeback in the white-ball team. He finds himself to be confident and has already started practicing for the IPL after the Indian vice-captain of the test team made his return from New Zealand.
There are hurdles in the quest by Rahane right now as he wants to find a regular spot in the playing XI while playing for the Capitals. The first choice of openers is likely to be Prithwi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan as the Englishman Jason Roy is going to be ruled out due to injury. The middle-order packs a lot of punch with Rishabh Pant, captain Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Shimron Hetmyer.
The 32-year-old batsman dodged questions on team composition and said that he will take the option if asked to bat in No. 5 or 6 as he is going to be a new position for him and help him in exploring the game. He said that his answer is yes as he will be ready for it.
He said the focus will increase in the times of pandemic due to strict restrictions and bio-bubble. This will help in building discipline and following the rules is going to be crucial.
Getting in the groove will be difficult as he is not in touch with white-ball cricket for nearly a year.
The lockdown has been a challenging phase both physically and mentally. He is out of touch for the last six months. He has followed his routine like yoga and meditation and three to four practice sessions will set the ball rolling.
