Vinod Kambli feels Ajinkya Rahane is one innings away from striking good form

Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli recently expressed his opinions on the troubled Indian middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane’s dismal run in Test cricket continued in the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka. He could only muster 17 runs in 5 innings during the series. Also, since the last home series against New Zealand in 2016, Rahane has averaged less than 32 in the longest format of the game.

Vinod Kambli, who recently attended the inaugural function of the Mumbai Premier League (MPL), mentioned that Rahane needs to score runs in South Africa. As per the quotes in Times of India, Kambli noted that Rahane is only one good knock away from getting back his confidence.

“Ajinkya is struggling. He has to get in the habit of runs. Once he gets in, he should get more runs for his confidence. Getting out so early, you lose your confidence and concentration. So for him it’s a one big knock, if he gets an opportunity, one big knock will bring back his confidence,” quoted Vinod Kambli.

On playing in South Africa

During his playing days, Vinod Kambli had a good experience of playing in the South African conditions. He played a lot of cricket at Boland. Kambli noted that the upcoming tour of South Africa would be challenging. However, it all boils down to how the Indian players adapt to the conditions.

He noted that the tracks would be bouncy and the hosts would leave no stone unturned in attacking them. His advice is to play to aggressively and positively. Commenting further, the former cricketer remarked that the Indian team will do well on the tour. The kind of form that the team is currently having, only aids balance in their favor.

“It’s upon the technique and plus the approach towards the game. The tracks will be bouncy, and they (the South African bowlers) will come (hard) at you. The more aggressive and positively you play, that is the way to best thing (way) to play in South Africa, because I have learnt, when I played as professional (in SA) is that you have to play aggressively and positively. No matter whatever the situation is, just play your best,” mentioned the former cricketer.

“I think, we will do well (in South Africa). The way the Indian players are playing, the way they are winning (matches). I feel it will be a different format, (India will face) a lot of fast bowling. We have got the batting line up and it will be a challenge for Virat (Kohli) and the team and I am very confident that our team will do well,” he added further.

On Virat Kohli

When asked to comment on the current form of Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Vinod Kamble congratulated the Indian captain for his stupendous run. He even compared himself to Kohli citing the same initials that the two players share.

“The way Virat is playing is amazing. I am happy to see batting like that and I am also VK and he is also VK. I got the double hundreds long back, I would like to congratulate him” he conceded