‘We are not thinking anything like that’ – Ajinkya Rahane denies claims of Team India strategizing to get under England’s skin

Team India has been on a roll in the ongoing five-match Test series against hosts England. While the opening clash at the Trent Bridge resulted in a draw, the second Test saw Virat Kohli’s men registering a thrilling 151-run triumph at the iconic Lord’s. Needless to mention, the visiting team must be high on confidence and would be raring to continue their sensational run.

The action now moves to the third Test which takes place at the Headingly in Leeds. The encounter gets underway on August 25 with stakes being incredibly high. A win in this clash would earn Team India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Hence, the Joe Root-led side must leave no stones unturned to emerge victoriously. However, they have a formidable task at hand with the visitors having the momentum.

Notably, the first two Test matches also witnessed some heated on-field altercations. The sledging game was on point as players of both teams were not minding having a conversation. Even the umpires had to intervene on multiple occasions. All these arguments indeed worked for Team India as the Three Lions suffered humiliation in front of their home crowds.

Playing good cricket is important to us: Ajinkya Rahane

While many fans and experts reckoned the visitors have been using sledging to good effect, Team India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane denied the claims. The veteran batter instead said his side’s primary focus is to play good cricket. “We are not thinking anything like that (getting under England’s skin). For us, what’s important is to play good cricket, staying at the moment and play one game at a time,” Rahane said while addressing the media ahead of the third Test.

“What has happened in the last game, we just have to forget, we have to take positives and move on. Because every game is really important because of the (World Test) Championship,” he added. Meanwhile, Rahane will also be raring to make a significant mark in the Headingly Test. After all, the 33-year-old has been short of runs lately. He did play a fighting 61-run knock in the previous clash. However, it will be interesting to see whether he continues his fine run or not.