If I perform in the IPL, the World Cup slot will automatically come: Ajinkya Rahane

Ambati Rayudu’s recent struggles have more or less made it clear that India can try out a new player at the number four spot in the upcoming World Cup. Rayudu, who made his comeback to the Indian team during the 2018 Asia Cup, did no favour to his World Cup hopes by performing miserably against Australia. He managed to play just three games in the five-match series and did very little to show that the team management was wrong to bench him. In the three games, Rayudu’s scores were 13, 18 and 2.

But while only time will tell whether India persist with Rayudu, demote Kohli at number four or try out a new player in the World Cup, out-of-favour batsman Ajinkya Rahane has definitely entered the contention. Rahane has completely fallen out of favour in ODIs. He last played in the 50-overs format during the tour of South Africa last year. But given India’s struggles to find a reliable middle-order batsman, Rahane can earn a surprise recall.

However, the man himself is not getting carried away with what will happen in the future and is instead focusing on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Rahane, who will play for Rajasthan Royals (RR), knows that a good outing this season will bolster his chances and he is rightly focusing on the work in hand.

“The approach won’t be any different with the World Cup spot looming because at the end you are playing cricket, be it the IPL or any other tournament. You have to score runs and do well for the team. The most important thing will be to think about the Rajasthan Royals rather than thinking too much about the road ahead. See, if I do well in the IPL, the World Cup (slot) will automatically come,” Ajinkya Rahane was quoted as saying to the media.

“I feel it is important to express yourself and not take any undue pressure thinking about things which aren’t in your control. The focus is the IPL,” he added.

No pressure of expectations:

Rahane captained the Royals last season after Steve Smith was barred from the tournament in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Hopes will be sky high from Rahane and Royals this season. However, the captain is not at all feeling the pressure and is looking forward to a positive start.

“No, not at all. The last year was really good for us, especially as we were coming back after two years and captaining RR was a great experience. I want to thank the management for supporting me and I don’t feel any pressure this year. It is important to play as a team and look to enjoy every moment as the IPL is a long tournament. There are players from different culture and it is important to gel well and start on a positive note,” he explained.

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