We have our plans in place to make best use of DRS: Ajinkya Rahane

Team India and England are in Rajkot to play the first Test of the five-match series. This series that has the potential of establishing India’s supremacy at home furthermore will also attract attention given that this is the first time the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) agreed to use the Decision Review System (DRS) in a bilateral series. A couple of days ahead of the game, Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane today said that the team has planned its approach as far as the DRS is concerned.

While interacting with the reporters in Rajkot Rahane said, “It’s a completely new concept. We have to wait and see about DRS. We have been discussing about this from the last series (against New Zealand) and we have (formulated) some plans. We will spend some (more) time explaining about DRS (to team members), how it works and how we should approach it, but the main focus is to play good, attacking cricket and DRS will come later on,”

“We are looking to play some good cricket. Right now we are focussed on building our strength and playing to our strengths,” he said.

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Rahane said wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and himself being the two men closest to the batsmen will be responsible to make the captain aware of their view whether the team should go for a review or not. “The wicketkeeper is very important (in the use of DRS) and as a slip fielder you have that role to convey the message to the captain and the bowler. We have to wait and see how it goes in the series.

“And as a batsman you are completely involved in the game. You have to see where the ball is going and convey it to your partner. You have to be sure (whether to ask for a review or not) all the time,” he said.

This series is will be a five-match affair and it will be the first time in over 30 years the Indian team plays a five-Test series talking about which Rahane said the team by now knows the importance of staying fresh and eager till the very end of the series.

“In a five-match series it’s important to be fresh till the last Test. We played a five match series in England (in 2014) and got an idea about how to approach. That was a great learning experience as a young unit. It was important to remain fresh till the fifth match. You (also) get an opportunity to come back while playing a five-match series,” he explained.

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Despite the fact that the English spin bowling attack isn’t the most experienced, Rahane said that they will treat it with respect. “Playing against England will be a challenge. They have a decent side; their bating line-up is pretty experienced. Their batsmen have been here, (captain) Alastair Cook, Joe Root and all. Yes their spinners are new. Their bowling attack is comparatively inexperienced, especially the spinners,” he said.

“But I always believe you have to give respect to all opponents whether their bowling attack is new or experienced. For us it’s important to focus on our strengths and we will be playing to our strengths and potential. I am sure it will be a good series.”

He also vouched on the fact that the team will continue to play attacking cricket, they have opted for since the new pair of Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble took over the reins of the team.

“We want to dominate the series. We have been playing some very good cricket over the last one and a half years. It’s important for us to be consistent. Yes our aim will be to dominate all their bowlers and the more we do it the better. It’s (also) important to start well in Rajkot and continue the momentum.”

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Ajinkya also said that it’s been good to play under Virat who is an aggressive captain but the current captain has learnt from his predecessor to stay calm when under pressure.

“Virat is pretty aggressive as captain; MS Dhoni is cool and calm. I feel Virat learnt a lot from MS Dhoni, and he’s applying himself. He’s looking to be calm under pressure. He’s leading from the front for all of us.

“It’s been very good to play under Virat’s captaincy. He’s completely a team man, his inputs, his words during our team meetings and strategy are completely different. We are enjoying playing under Virat’s captaincy,” he added.

Talking about his role as the vice-captain of the team the Mumbai lad said, “I am really happy that BCCI gave me this responsibility. As a player you learn many things and as vice-captain of a team the mind is always alert. I am learning new things as player and vice- captain and I am happy BCCI and selectors have given me this opportunity. I think it will bring out the best in me,” he added.

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