Focus on preparations and the results will follow: Ajinkya Rahane

India’s Test vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane played a characteristic knock of 108 runs in the first innings of the second Test match against West Indies. His innings came in after a brilliant knock of 158 from the opening batsman KL Rahul, which gave India a huge lead of 304 runs in the first innings before the rain interruption on Day 3.

Speaking about the weather conditions, the 28-year old said that they were not actually thinking about the weather. “We were not thinking about the weather. Initially, in the morning, we wanted to play normal cricket. Unfortunately, Wriddhiman got out just before lunch. That partnership was really important for us.”

“The plan was to bat once and bat long and I think we did that. There’s still some help for the fast bowlers in the wicket and I thought Holder bowled a very good spell before lunch. He bowled pretty well. After lunch, the plan was to play positive and try and get a 300-plus lead. Unfortunately, the rain came in, that’s not something we can control,” he added.

Playing normal cricket was the key:

Rahane said that playing normal shots was the key while he was batting with the tail and while he was in the nervous 90s. “Frankly speaking, I was not thinking about my hundred. When Mishra and Shami got out I told Umesh to play normal cricket. Just give your 100% whether defending or playing a shot. When I was 84-85 I wanted to play normal cricket but the offie brought his long off in and I wanted to clear the fielder. When I was on 95, just play normal cricket and once I get my hundred we’ll play some shots.”

Also read – WI v IND, 2nd Test, Day 3 Review: India bat out West Indies

Rahane fell for a soft dismissal in the first Test match, where he gave an easy catch while trying to pull Devendra Bishoo. He said that he was disappointed by the way, he got out but what was important for him was the process and preparations.

“I never think about scoring hundreds. I think the results will follow as long as I prepare well and my processes are right. I think about the small things that are helpful for me. At the same time scoring a hundred here is special, getting to the three-figure mark is really really special for a batsman.”

Patience will be the key:

He also reemphasized the importance of remaining patient in the slowish wickets at West Indies. “Once you are set you can play your shots. This goes for the bowlers as well. There is something for the fast bowlers but it’s important for us to bowl a decent line and length tomorrow. We have to bowl patiently. In the first Test match, we bowled in good areas and we bowled consistently. If we do that we will be in a good position tomorrow,” he said.

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Speaking on how the net session helped him, he said, “I was just looking to get my rhythm back and play some basic shots. Instead of playing in the ground, because it was a bit soft, I preferred to go to the nets to get my footwork and rhythm right. That was my intention.”