I got a lot of confidence after talking with Sachin Tendulkar: Ajinkya Rahane

Indian opener Ajinkya Rahane has credited Sachin Tendulkar for his confident knock in the second ODI against Australia in Kolkata. India rode on the half-centuries from Rahane and Virat Kohli and posted a competitive total after which the wrist spinners spun a web around the visitors to seal the deal by 50 runs. Team India now leads the 5-match ODI series 2-0 and would look to take an unassailable lead in Indore on Sunday.

Ajinkya played a sublime inning after the loss of Rohit Sharma early and consolidated the start perfectly. His cover drives were pleasing to the eyes as he looked assured in his stay at the crease. Unfortunately, he was run out at a crucial stage in the match but not before he stitched the only 100-run partnership of the match with his skipper Kohli.

We are not taking anything for granted

Addressing the media in the press conference on the eve of the third ODI, Rahane expressed that they are confident of doing well on Sunday as well but claimed that they are not taking the Aussies for granted and are aware of their comeback.

“Both the guys (Chahal and Yadav) are doing well and are quality spinners. What they have done is not only take wickets in middle overs in ODI cricket and also not giving away runs. This is an excellent thing that the duo have managed to do. I am sure they are looking to improve day by day and not taking anything for granted. It is a good sign that they are finding it difficult to pick them up,” he said.

While analysing his own batting, Rahane stressed the importance of scoring whenever the opportunities present itself.

“I do my best when I get my opportunity. I can’t contemplate in the future. My focus is to back my game and give my best. Every time you cannot think of a 100, crucial 45-50 runs is equally important. I am also focusing on not to repeat the mistakes from the 1st ODI and how to counter-attack the Aussies from the first few overs,” the Indian opener added.

He also credited Sachin Tendulkar who taught him to be mentally strong in tough conditions. “We had a net session of four days back. He told me to back my own game. He also asked me to prepare well and have a good mindset. He spoke about mental preparation and how to remain mentally strong. I got a lot of confidence from his talk,” the 29-year-old continued.

He also expressed that it is important to show confidence in Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav. “Manish and Kedar are important to this side. It is important to give them confidence and back them. They had a good series in Sri Lanka and the team management is also backing them,” Rahane concluded.