'He takes nothing for granted' - Sachin Tendulkar backs Ajinkya Rahane to do well as captain

Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar has said that Ajinkya Rahane is blessed with a “smart brain” and has backed him to do well as a captain in Australia. Rahane will be leading India in overseas Tests for the first time once Virat Kohli departs after the Adelaide Test. The India skipper will return home after the series-opener to be with his pregnant wife.

In the remaining three games of the Border-Gavaskar series, Rahane will be in charge of the team. The India Test vice-captain, however, is not new to leading the team. In the past, he led the team in two games winning both. Incidentally, his first Test as a captain came against Australia in 2017 before he led the team against Afghanistan in 2018.

Leading a team in Australia is definitely one of the toughest jobs in the game and thus, there are apprehensions among the Indian fans. However, Sachin Tendulkar believes that Ajinkya Rahane can do a good job in Kohli’s absence.

I know Ajinkya Rahane has a very smart brain, says Sachin

On the eve of the first Test, Sachin Tendulkar lavished praise on Ajinkya Rahane and said that he is a balanced individual. He also said that contrary to his popular image, Rahane is aggressive as well as a hard-working player. Tendulkar said that the Mumbai player takes nothing for granted and also advised Team India to focus on the process rather than the result.

“This is going to be slightly different. Having interacted with Ajinkya Rahane, I know he has a very smart brain and he is balanced. He is aggressive but it’s controlled aggression. Whatever time I have spent with him, I know he is a hard-working player,” Tendulkar told Sports Today.

“He takes nothing for granted, and if you’re working hard, if you’re sincere and honest in your preparation, the result will invariably follow. I am sure the team would prepare to the best of their ability. Don’t be focussed on the result. Focus on the process and the results will follow,” he added.