BEATING AFGHANS IS SPECIAL, SAYS CAPTAIN RAHANE

Bengaluru, June 15: India skipper Ajinkya Rahane on Friday said his side were determined to be “ruthless” in their approach after the hosts demolished Test debutants Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs in less than two days here on Friday.

The inexperienced Afghans’ dream of scripting a fairytale turned into a nightmare as they were bowled out for 109 and 103 in pursuit of India’s first innings total of 474.

“This feels really special. It is always an honour to lead your country and we wanted to be ruthless,” said Rahane, who led in regular skipper Virat Kohli’s absence.

Rahane was full of praise for his batting unit, especially openers Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay, both of whom scored centuries.

“Guys like Shikhar and Vijay got those hundreds, (K.L.) Rahul chipped in and (Hardik) Pandya was magnificent at the end. It was important for all of us to stick to our basics, create some good habits,” he said.

Rahane also had words of appreciation for Afghanistan despite their abject surrender in the match.

“But credit to Afghanistan, they were fantastic. From here on it is only upwards and onwards for them. Their seamers bowled really well, especially in the third session yesterday and I am sure they will go a long way against all opponents,” Rahane said. Rahane later called the entire Afghan team for the victory photo opportunity and also handed over the trophy to the debutants in a bid to boost their morale.