Ajinkya Rahane backs Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara to come good

Ajinkya Rahane has extended his support to back India’s prolific opener Shikhar Dhawan and their reliable No.3 in Test matches, Cheteshwar Pujara to come good in the Test series against England. Dhawan has always been under the firing line for his inability to score runs in overseas conditions and Pujara is going through a lean patch after a disappointing county stint at Yorkshire, as questions loom over their places in India’s playing XI for the first Test at Edgbaston.

It’s about just one innings: Rahane

The duo seems to have found some backing from their vice-skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who feels that for batsmen of such stature, it is just about one innings that counts to get back into the form. Rahane was of the opinion that shows no concerns about their form gave the quality that they bring to the table.  “We are not worried at all, because both are really quality batsmen. It just takes one good inning to get into your rhythm. We all back them,” Rahane said.

Being India’s one of the most successful batsmen overseas, Rahane does have an idea of what it takes to play in tough conditions like England where the ball does a bit, both off the pitch and due to overhead conditions.

“Playing in England is always a challenge… (but) if you think about the result you put pressure on yourself. This time we just want to express ourselves. Personally, I enjoy those challenges, playing abroad. You know here in England the ball does a bit, in Australia, there’s bounce, again in New Zealand the ball does a bit… I’m really looking forward to this series,” Rahane was quoted as saying by TOI.

A Batsman should back his game

The 30-year old would love to bring all his experience of playing overseas and back his game to play as per his strengths. For him, it is a matter of staying calm and making it count once you are set.

“As a batting unit, I feel that challenging yourself and backing your own game – rather than copying someone else – is important. If you’re set here, you should really make it count. I feel that in terms of skill, both teams are on a par. It will be a test of our mind and character here,” he added.

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