IPL 2018: Ajinkya Rahane wants to be a match-winner in the 2019 World Cup

Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane has had a mixed start to this season, winning 3 games losing the same number of matches. With 6 points in 6 matches, they’re loitering around the peripheral side of the points table alongside Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and also the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

But Ajinkya Rahane is a calm and collective individual and will be eagerly waiting for the crucial juncture that lies ahead in the tournament. In an interview with Sportstar, the 29-year-old spoke at length about the future tours of India and how things might pan out. He is also eagerly waiting for the 2019 World Cup, which will be hosted by England.

Talking about his experience in South Africa, he said the side was satisfied with the results they managed to salvage. India defeated the mighty Proteas side 5-1 in the ODI series and also registered a 2-1 victory in the T20I series. They came agonizingly close to registering a Test series victory in South Africa, which still remains the pinnacle for any sub-continental side.

“We played well in South Africa. We played Australia well in the last series. Short balls, especially, have never been a problem. We all are well equipped, and we know what kind of shots we have. Every batsman is different from each other and their style is completely different. Our preparation will be the key before going to England. I am sure we will prepare ourselves really well before the Test series and perform there,” Rahane said as quoted by Sportstar.

World Cup is the ultimate goal – Rahane

All teams are gearing up for the next World Cup and most of the big sides have started working vigorously on the permutations and combinations as well. England will be hosting a World Cup for the first time since 1999 and they will be eager to lift the Trophy in front of their home fans. Rahane too has similar ambitions and he also wants to be a match-winner for the country in that tournament.

“I generally go series by series and match-by-match. The World Cup is my goal and doing well for my country and playing the role of a match-winner for my nation is the ultimate goal,” Rahane said.

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