I’m cool, calm; Kohli’s aggressive: Rahane
INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL Rahane says staying calm works for him while Kohli is more expressive and that helps motivate the team Everyone has a different style, whether it’s a batsman, bowler or a captain.
Ajinkya Rahane is in high spirits after leading India to an eight-wicket win in the fourth and final Test against Australia in Dharamsala, in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli. The win handed India a 2-1 series win, as they regained the BorderGavaskar Trophy and consolidated their top spot in the ICC Test rankings.
Rahane, who became the country’s 33rd Test captain in Dharamsala, has received accolades from various quarters after captaining the team to victory. While Australia skipper Steve Smith lauded his calm demeanour, former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson suggested Rahane should remain India’s captain, in an apparent dig at Kohli.
During Rising Pune Supergiant’s pre-season press conference here on Thursday, Rahane was asked for his take on the matter. The middle-order batsman said his style of captaincy was different from Kohli’s, but termed him a ‘great ambassador for the game’.
“It was a proud moment for me to lead my country (in Dharamsala), but I would like to say that Virat is a very good leader and his style is different. I am completely different.”
Asked to elaborate on how his approach differed from Kohli’s, Rahane replied, “I am pretty much cool, calm, and that brings the best out of me. Virat is pretty aggressive and that brings the best out of him. Everyone has a different style, whether it’s a batsman, bowler or a captain.”
RPS skipper Steve Smith too had his say . “I think Ajinkya summed it up pretty well. They are different people and Ajinkya is certainly very calm, cool and collected, whereas Virat likes to show some emotions and is quite aggressive,” said Smith.