I’m not a selfish guy, clarifies Ajinkya Rahane after missing out on century

India had a rather tough day in the office in the first Test versus the Windies at North Sound in Antigua. Inside the first eight overs, the visitors lost opener, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, and most importantly, Virat Kohli, their skipper, who was in fine form in the ODI series. Thereafter, Ajinkya Rahane came at number five started the resurrection act along with KL Rahul.

Rahane’s stand with Rahul brought sanity into the proceedings. At the close of play on Day one, India ended on 203 for six and Rahane was the standout performer, having scored 81 runs with 10 glorious boundaries. In the meantime, he was asked a question by a journalist on missing out on a century. It didn’t surprise Rahane and he answered it saying that he isn’t someone ‘selfish’.

“I knew this question was coming and I was ready. As long as I am at the crease, I am thinking about my team, I am not a selfish guy. So yes, I am not too concerned about the hundred as I thought 81 on that wicket was really crucial as we are now in a decent position,” Rahane was quoted as saying in the press conference after the first day.

I am not too concerned about my hundred

Rahane has strained a bit in the format, having scored his last century way back in 2017 versus Sri Lanka. He admitted that he had thoughts about his ton, but he was also clear cut in saying that he was more focussed on bailing his team out of the precarious position.

“See, as long as I am contributing for my team is what matters. Yes, I was thinking about my hundred but the situation we are in — 25 for 3 was tricky. As I have said, I just thought if I could contribute for my team. I am not too concerned about my hundred as that will come automatically,” he mentioned.

Rahane recently played for Hampshire in the County Championship in England. In seven games, he scored a century and also got a fifty. He understands the importance of the stint as he wanted to make optimum utilization of the time since he wasn’t a part of the 2019 World Cup squad.

“See it (county stint) was important. I took the decision when I got to know that I won’t be a part of World Cup squad. I wanted to make use of the two months and I played seven county games, focussing on my batting, working on few areas,” Rahane added.

Watch: 10 Indian cricketers’ wives and their professions