Big chance for youngsters to develop, feels Rahane
RAJKOT: India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said on Tuesday that his team would look to dominate West Indies right from the first Test that starts here at the SCA Stadium on Thursday.
West Indies are set to play two Tests, five ODIS and three T20s on their tour of India, and Rahane says the series presents an opportunity to the new faces in the India team. “What is important for us is to (see) how we can improve our game, as individuals and as a team. Our goal is to play good cricket, definitely dominate from the first match but again improvement, as a batsman, as a bowler and as a team… what are we going to gain and how are we going to improve as a team, that will be our focus,” Rahane told reporters on Tuesday.
India are set to field a new opening pair in this series with KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal in the race. Pacer Mohammed Siraj could also make his Test debut. Rahane said there should not be any pressure on the new players.
“There is no pressure at all. Personally we will know the combination what we are going to play. It is an opportunity as individuals, to express ourselves, especially the guys who are coming in. They know there is growth in this team and the management is backing every individual. It is all about going out there and expressing yourself rather than thinking about the future or what is going to happen,” said Rahane.
The Indian vice-captain said despite having knowledge of home conditions, his team will have to adapt to hot and humid Rajkot quickly.
“We will have to assess the pitch here, the weather is different, it is hot here, it will be better if we can adapt soon. We have two practice sessions, and it will also be important to know what shots to play. We will have to make that mental switch soon. In
England the weather and wickets were different, here we must switch soon…”.
Rahane, whose last Test hundred came more than a year ago in Sri Lanka, gained form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy with scores of 148 and 79 not out. Rahane would be looking to put behind the tour of England, where he failed to get a big score.
“I was just looking to do well for Mumbai as well as get some match practice for myself. I am feeling confident. That (England series) is past now. It is all about staying in the moment and I always believe that each and every series is important, each and every Test match is equally important. (I) just want to stay in the present and keep contributing to my team.”