'Don't bat a lot in the nets' - Ajinkya Rahane reveals Rahul Dravid's precious words before Australia tour

Time and again, Rahul Dravid has been credited for grooming India’s youngsters and adding depth to the national team’s bench strength. Several youngsters have talked about Dravid’s crucial role in their career. Recently, India’s middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari had highlighted how Dravid has closed the gap between Ranji Trophy and the Indian team by ensuring that players get ample experience by playing in India A.

The likes of Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Mohammed Siraj, Shreyas Iyer are some of the players who have been nurtured by Dravid in age-group and domestic levels (India U-19 and India A). Well, it looks like Dravid’s advices are not limited to only youngsters. Ajinkya Rahane has revealed how the legendary batsman called him and gave him a precious piece of advice before Team India’s departure to Australia.

Also Read: ‘You did a great job’ – Hanuma Vihari reveals Rahul Dravid sent him a text message after SCG Test

Rahul bhai actually called me before the series: Ajinkya Rahane

Recalling the conversation, Ajinkya Rahane revealed how Dravid advised him to not take any stress over captaincy duties. The India Test vice-captain also revealed that the former Indian captain told him to “not bat a lot” in the net sessions. Rahane stated that while he was initially surprised by Dravid’s words, it eventually helped him in Australia.

“Rahul bhai actually called me before the series, when we were leaving to Australia from Dubai. He said, ‘Don’t take any stress, I know you are leading the team after the first Test. Don’t worry about anything, just be strong mentally. Don’t bat a lot in the nets’, [which is] unlike Rahul bhai,” Ajinkya Rahane told Harsha Bhogle in an interaction.

“Rahul bhai loves batting, and he was like ‘that’s the mistake I did’. He said, ‘Don’t bat a lot in the nets, your preparation is really good, you’re batting so well. So, don’t take any pressure. Just think about how you are going to lead the team, how you are going to give confidence to the players. Don’t worry about the result, it will take care of itself’. That conversation really made it easy, Rahul bhai telling me to not bat a lot in the nets. It was really good,” he added.

Rahane led India to a memorable series win in Australia. India had their back against the wall after the heavy defeat in the first Test before Rahane took charge of the team. Under him, India won two Tests while drawing the other to clinch the four-match series. The Mumbai star also scored a stunning century in the second Test at the iconic MCG.